Dodgers' Betts to Hit Third in Star-Studded Lineup

Manager Dave Roberts reveals Mookie Betts' spot in the batting order for the 2026 season.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has announced that star outfielder Mookie Betts will bat third in the team's lineup for the 2026 season. Roberts said he is still determining who will hit second and fourth, but an order of Shohei Ohtani leading off, followed by new addition Kyle Tucker, Betts, and Freddie Freeman seems likely to make the most sense.

Why it matters

Betts is a key part of the Dodgers' star-studded lineup as they look to repeat as World Series champions. After a down year in 2025, Betts is looking to bounce back, and hitting in the middle of the order could help him regain his elite offensive production.

The details

Last season, Betts hit .258 with 20 home runs and 82 RBIs, which was below his usual standards. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Betts is 'more critical of himself' and has 'something to prove' after that performance. Betts said he is focused on 'rewiring' his body and trusting himself to get back to his previous levels of production.

  • The Dodgers are preparing for the 2026 MLB season in spring training.

The players

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mookie Betts

A star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way player who is expected to lead off for the Dodgers.

Kyle Tucker

A new addition to the Dodgers' lineup.

Freddie Freeman

A veteran slugger in the Dodgers' lineup.

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What they’re saying

“Dave Roberts said he expects to have Mookie Betts bat third this year. He said he's still figuring out second and fourth, but an Ohtani-Tucker-Betts-Freeman top four would probably make the most sense.”

— Sonja Chen (X (formerly Twitter)

“The great ones expect more and are more critical of themselves. So I would like to think that Mookie has something to prove for himself.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager (Dodger Blue)

“Just kind of rewiring my body to do what I wanted it to do. Even though it was down last year, before I got sick, I was probably having one of the best springs I've ever had. So I just got to get back to just rewiring and trusting myself.”

— Mookie Betts (N/A)

What’s next

Betts will look to iron out his skills and regain his elite offensive production during the Dodgers' spring training ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

With the Dodgers' star-studded lineup, Mookie Betts' placement in the middle of the order could be key to the team's quest to repeat as World Series champions. Betts is determined to bounce back after a down year and recapture the form that has made him one of the game's best players.