"It's hard" — Mookie Betts reveals difficulty behind playing a new position, embraces the challenge amid top form

Mookie Betts has been rarely assigned an infield position throughout his career. His previous team, the Boston Red Sox, wanted him for mostly outfield duties. However, that changed when he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020. The Dodgers were keen to utilize Betts in every way possible, and he didn’t disappoint the team.

Last year, the Dodgers briefly moved him to the infield in second base and shortstop positions, but he mostly stayed in the outfield. But they took a big step this year by assigning Mookie Betts as the team’s everyday shortstop.

However, that transition wasn’t easy at all. In a recent interview with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Mookie Betts opened up about the hurdles while changing to a new position in midseason.

“I'm in a good spot, mentally,” Betts said. “Just because something's hard doesn't mean I don't enjoy doing it.”

“But it's hard, man. It's hard, but challenges like this are reasons why I enjoy things, enjoy the game, enjoy coming to work each and every day. I got to come here and be ready to work and to learn 'cause that's a different animal for sure."

During his time with the Red Sox, Mookie Betts was appointed to second base for only 15 games. He won four Gold Gloves there for his impressive outfield ability. However, the Dodgers didn’t limit him to the outfield department only. In his five seasons, he took 2B in 100 games for them.

However, shortstop is new to him. Last year, Betts debuted as SS and played only 16 games. He was announced as the team’s regular second baseman ahead of the season, but Gavin Lux's fielding struggle forced the LA front office to assign Betts to shortstop midseason.

Mookie Betts is ready to be the Dodgers’ everyday SS

Mookie Betts has played 46 games this season as shortstop for the LA Dodgers. However, it’s a demanding position that the 31-year-old All-Star has to fill.

In the same interview, when Rosenthal asked Betts about his opinion on being the team’s permanent shortstop, he replied without hesitation that if the chance is there, he’s ready to take it for the rest of his career.

“Right now, it's for the present. If the opportunity comes where I can do it every day for the rest of my career, then absolutely, I'll definitely take on that challenge,” Betts said.

“That's not going to make it easy. It's still going to be hard and I'll still be working and taking care of my business, but I'll just do whatever it takes to win. And if that's me playing short, then that's me playing short.”

Whether Mookie Betts stays at shortstop remains to be seen. So far, he’s well-blended there and has contributed to the Dodgers' 33-21 record this season.