Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts has secured the 2025 Fielding Bible Award for his exceptional performance at the shortstop position. The award, decided by a panel of experts combining statistical analysis and observational evaluations, highlights the top defensive player for each position in Major League Baseball.
This season marked a significant milestone for Betts, who transitioned to shortstop, a role he had never played at the professional level before. He led the league with 17 defensive runs saved and achieved six Outs Above Average, placing him in the 92nd percentile according to Baseball Savant. This achievement reflects not only his defensive prowess but also his adaptability and skill on the field.
Despite his accolades, Betts remains modest about his accomplishments. When asked about the recognition, he stated, “I genuinely don’t care. That’s validation for y’all, not for me. I knew I could do it. I believed in myself.” His manager, Dave Roberts, echoed this sentiment by praising Betts’s remarkable journey from uncertainty to becoming a Gold Glove finalist. Roberts remarked on the unprecedented nature of Betts’s transition, noting the challenge last season when he initially played right field. He highlighted the significant growth Betts has shown in his new position, affirming that he is deserving of the Gold Glove recognition.
This latest Fielding Bible Award adds to Betts’s impressive collection, marking his seventh overall and his first awarded for shortstop. He previously earned five awards as a right fielder and one in 2023 as a “multi-position” player. With the announcement of Gold Glove winners approaching on November 2, Betts’s accolades continue to position him among the elite defenders in baseball history.
As sports enthusiasts and fans eagerly await further recognition of Betts’s achievements, his dedication and talent shine a hopeful light on both his future and the prospects for the Dodgers.