Los Angeles Dodgers’ star Mookie Betts continues to solidify his place in baseball history, as he has been named a finalist for the prestigious Gold Glove award. This recognition comes as further affirmation of Betts’ exceptional abilities, even as discussions about his career and legacy persist. The Major League Baseball (MLB) announced the top three finalists at each position, with the winners set to be revealed on ESPN on November 2.
Betts joins an impressive list of players, including notable contenders such as José Ramírez from the Cleveland Guardians and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays, highlighting the competitive nature of this year’s awards. His candidacy for the Gold Glove is particularly intriguing given that Betts boasts six previous Gold Gloves as an outfielder, yet he is now recognized for his prowess at shortstop, a position he rarely played until 2024.
Initially starting the 2024 MLB season as the Dodgers’ second baseman, Betts was shifted to shortstop following less-than-stellar performances from Gavin Lux during spring training. Over the past season, Betts played 65 games at shortstop, although his performance metrics did not reflect his capabilities. This spurred Betts to enhance his defensive skills during the offseason, and his hard work paid off significantly; transitioning from one of the weaker defensive shortstops in 2024 to an above-average performer in 2025, according to FanGraphs.
Despite the commendable progress that Betts has made, winning the Gold Glove may prove challenging. Other finalists for the National League shortstop position, Masyn Winn of the St. Louis Cardinals and Nick Allen of the Atlanta Braves, ranked higher than Betts in advanced metrics, highlighting the level of competition he faces.
In the American League, Ramírez and Guerrero are strong contenders as well. Guerrero previously won the Gold Glove in 2022, while Ramírez has been in contention for the award in previous seasons but is still in search of his first win.
The Chicago Cubs lead this year’s finalists with six players nominated, and Ian Happ once again finds himself a finalist, having previously won the award three times. Additionally, the Blue Jays showcase a strong presence with five finalists, including catcher Alejandro Kirk and utility player Ernie Clement, who presents a unique double opportunity by being nominated at both the third base and utility positions.
As Betts continues to redefine expectations and showcase remarkable tenacity, his journey suggests an enduring legacy within the game, regardless of the challenges that lie ahead. His story serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and the potential for growth, inspiring both fans and players alike.