This season, an unlikely teacher has emerged in light of Max Muncie’s defensive struggle. With an unprecedented transition from right field to shortstop, Mookie Betts became an unexpected resource for Muncie in 2025.
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Betts is the Gold Glove winner in the outfield, but his offseason deep diving drove the star with his performances on short stops as he worked in the infield. Betts ranks in the 90th percentile with above average outs among qualified fielders, a testament to his 32-year-old’s hard work and athletic ability.
It wasn’t easy for Betts to become a major league shortstop, but the adversity he faced helped him work with Muncie in his own experience on the infield this season.
“I’ve been there before,” Betts said. “I know what it’s like. I know what it’s like to be in a tough place. …He’s far more experienced than me, but this offseason, I’ve learned a lot. I really have to go there mentally and do it — but I really know what I do.
Muncie made the ninth mistake of the season against the New York Mets on Tuesday. The next day he was taking the ground ball from infield coach Chris Woodward. Betts stood behind the ‘ third base hand, observing his skill.
“It’s just one of those things that everyone leads in their own way,” Muncie said. “This is how he leads. He tries to make guys better on the field. Some are good at leading in the clubhouse. Some are good at leading the field. They are good at leading on the field.
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Photo credit: David Richard-Immagn Images
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