Mookie Betts, the star player of the Dodgers, is gearing up for a potential comeback season after a disappointing 2024. The 2025 season promises to be a pivotal one for Betts, who is determined to bounce back from a year filled with personal struggles and underwhelming performance. Despite a career filled with All-Star appearances and MVP finishes, Betts' 2024 season was a stark contrast, marked by a batting average of .258, a low on-base percentage, and a slugging percentage of .406. His OPS of .732 was the lowest of his career, prompting him to declare his season 'over' in early August.
However, Betts' resilience shone through as he focused on team success rather than individual performance. He hit .305 in the last 42 games of the regular season, showcasing his ability to compartmentalize and redirect his efforts. This newfound mindset, coupled with a relaxed offseason, has Betts feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the upcoming season.
Betts' approach to the 2025 season involves a 'rewiring' of his swing and a focus on his body at the plate. He's embracing a back-to-basics strategy, emphasizing simplicity and avoiding overworking or overthinking. This shift in mindset, combined with the adoption of some aspects of Yoshinobu Yamamoto's workout routine, has Betts confident about his prospects for a return to MVP form.
Manager Dave Roberts shares Betts' optimism, expecting him to be in the MVP conversation again this year. With a healthy mindset and a strong swing, Betts is poised to make a significant impact. His previous transition from right field to shortstop, and now his determination to reclaim his MVP status at 33, make him a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
In contrast, Andy Pages' 2025 season was a success, with a batting average of .272, 27 home runs, and 86 RBIs. However, he faced a slump in the postseason, going 4 for 51, which led to his bench time during the World Series. Pages is determined to put the bad streak behind him and start the 2025 season strong.
Right-hander Bobby Miller, on the other hand, has been dealing with shoulder soreness and has yet to throw off the mound this spring. Since his 11-win rookie season in 2023, Miller has struggled, pitching just five innings in the majors last year and finishing with a 5.66 ERA in Triple-A. Roberts suggests that Miller's role as a reliever could be a turning point, allowing him to build on success in 'short bursts' and potentially salvage his career.
