by Megan Garcia
It was a goal that Mookie Betts set long before the season started. He wanted to eventually win a Gold Glove at shortstop.
Well, he’s one step closer to accomplishing it.
Betts is one of three National League Gold Glove finalists for shortstop, which was announced on Wednesday by Rawlings. It’s his first nomination at the position.
Nick Allen (Braves) and Masyn Winn (Cardinals) are the other two shortstop finalists.
He finished the regular season tied for the Major League lead with 17 defensive runs saved. In 2024 — in his first year at the position — he finished with three defensive runs saved. By mid-August, when he returned from a two-month stint on the injured list, Betts was moved back to right field.
“I think the only person on this planet that believed that Mookie Betts would be in this conversation was Mookie Betts,” said manager Dave Roberts. “It’s just something that has never been done. It’s incredible.
“Obviously, I’m at a loss for words that he’s in this position. Last year, the confidence wasn’t there playing shortstop and (then) kicking him out to right field to help our ballclub, to wondering if it was the right decision to put him at short, to now being a Gold Glove finalist, (he’s been) so trustworthy.”
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Part of the credit for Betts’ success goes to his teammate Miguel Rojas, who was also nominated for the 2025 Gold Glove utility award.
“I think MiggyRo undoubtedly should get this Gold Glove Award. His ability to catch the ball at any position, sure-handed, the spectacular plays,” Roberts said. “I think they both deserve it.”
Mookie Betts’ impressive climb to Gold-Glove caliber shortstop was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.