Few players in Major League Baseball history have entered the league and made an impact as quickly as Mookie Betts. When discussing the greatest players of his generation, the Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop has firmly earned his place in the conversation.
The 34-year-old Betts is a three-time World Series champion, a former AL MVP, and a perennial All-Star who has consistently delivered on baseball’s biggest stage. Whether it was in Boston or Los Angeles, Betts has built a reputation as one of the game’s most complete and dependable superstars.
Mookie Betts Struggling This Season
But even for a player of his caliber, the 2026 season has not been seamless. This has perhaps even been disappointing for the former All-Star.
As the Dodgers continue their pursuit of a three-peat, Betts has struggled to consistently regain his elite offensive form, with stretches that have raised questions about his rhythm, health, and adjustment to his transition to full-time shortstop.
The former seven-time Silver Slugger has battled injuries that have limited his offensive impact to a career-low .203 batting average, a far cry from his peak and .55 points worse than his previous low of .258. Betts missed time with a right oblique strain that placed him on the injured list for about a month before returning on May 1.
Since coming back, he has struggled to find a consistent rhythm and confidence at the plate.
In March, Betts opened the season hitting just .183, followed by a slight improvement to .222 in April. In May, he managed a .200 batting average, which, while showing some stability, remained below his usual All-Star standard per StatsMuse.
Despite the uneven production, there have been small signs of progress. Betts drove in 10 runs in May — his highest monthly total of the season — and hit four home runs, marking his most power production in a 15-game stretch since last year.
Still, the overall consistency has fluctuated month to month, leaving the Dodgers waiting for him to return to MVP form. Despite his struggles, Betts seems to be trending in the right direction, having posted batting averages over .200 in three straight months with the All-Star break approaching.
Betts Working On New Swing
Betts has been working with the Dodgers batting coach, Rodger Van Scoyoc, to help tweak and simplify his swing and correct his launch mechanics. A process that has required a new strategic approach and mental toughness for the perennial All-Star.
“My whole life, I haven’t really had to think in this type of detail,” Betts said. “I’ve been able to just have an innate ability to figure it out. Figure out how to get hits. Figure out how to compete. But now, I don’t know what it is, but if I’m not perfect, if I’m not in the right position, hitting it center on the bat, I don’t really have much of a chance.”
Despite the inconsistency, the Dodgers remain hopeful that Betts can fully regain his rhythm at the plate as the season progresses. His track record suggests that, with the postseason still ahead, he is more than capable of delivering when it matters most.
