Mookie Betts to Miss 2026 World Baseball Classic, Dodgers Eye Potential Outfield Moves
The United States will be without one of its most dynamic stars at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as Mookie Betts has confirmed he won’t be suiting up for Team USA. The Dodgers shortstop revealed the decision during a livestream appearance, citing a very personal - and understandable - reason: his wife is expecting a baby right in the middle of the tournament.
“I was, but I can’t now,” Betts said. “My wife, we’re having a kid, so, the baby’s due in the middle of the WBC. She said she’d divorce me if I wasn’t there.”
Hard to argue with those priorities. While Team USA will certainly miss Betts’ elite glove, veteran leadership, and top-of-the-lineup presence, the depth of American baseball talent means the roster won’t be short on star power. Still, any lineup is better with Betts in it - he’s a proven postseason performer, a former MVP, and one of the most versatile players in the game.
Dodgers’ Outfield Picture Could Shift
Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ front office continues to work the margins - and possibly the headlines - as they consider their next move in a loaded free-agent outfield market. One name to watch: Teoscar Hernández. The veteran slugger could be on the trade block if Los Angeles lands one of its top outfield targets.
If the Dodgers do reel in a big fish - names like Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger have been linked in various reports - Hernández could be the odd man out. A trade would open up playing time and free up salary space, giving the team even more flexibility heading into what’s shaping up to be a pivotal season.
It’s a classic Dodgers move: stay aggressive, keep the roster fluid, and always look to upgrade - even when the current group is already among the league’s best.
Dave Roberts Earns Respect Across the League
In other Dodgers news, manager Dave Roberts continues to garner respect from his peers. Three opposing skippers reportedly named Roberts the best manager in baseball - a nod to his steady leadership, clubhouse management, and ability to navigate the pressure that comes with guiding one of MLB’s most scrutinized teams.
Roberts has consistently kept the Dodgers in contention, and with the team’s continued investment in elite talent, expectations remain sky-high. But respect from fellow managers? That speaks volumes about the job he’s done in L.A.
Around Dodgers Nation
The Dodgers’ social media buzzed this week with a few notable moments. One clip making the rounds features Betts revealing that, early in his career, he nearly walked away from baseball altogether to chase a college basketball dream. It’s a reminder of just how close the game came to missing out on one of its brightest stars.
And in a lighter moment, a throwback video showed Shohei Ohtani gifting Dave Roberts a toy Porsche - a playful gesture after Ohtani passed Roberts for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player in Dodgers history. It’s those small clubhouse moments that show the chemistry brewing in L.A., even amid all the pressure and spotlight.
As the offseason continues, the Dodgers remain a team to watch - both for their on-field talent and the moves still to come. Whether it’s lineup changes, managerial accolades, or superstar absences, there’s never a dull moment in Dodger blue.