Los Angeles Dodgers veteran Mookie Betts was spotted working with a new trainer during Spring Training, a notable development for the shortstop.
Betts is entering a season with a lot to prove, especially after becoming a certified shortstop and earning a Gold Glove award.
The Dodgers, especially manager Dave Roberts, seem to believe that Betts can return to his former hitting success, with him trusting Betts to hit clean-up after Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Tucker.
Will Smith and Freddie Freeman were clearly better offensive players in 2025, but over his career, Betts has been able to impact at the top of the order, especially with his speed on the bases.
With the pressure on Betts, his preparation has become all the more important, and he is taking cues from a player with a similar build.
Yoshinbou Yamamoto, a player known for his unique training methods, has become famous for his javelin throws and interesting workout routines, all of which come from Osamu Yada, his longtime trainer.
Yada is the man who took a Japanese teacher who had professional baseball hopes all the way to the top of the mountain — World Series MVP and one of the top five pitchers in the National League.
Yada is known as “Sensei Yada” around the clubhouse, and the Dodgers hired him to join the staff when Yamamoto joined, meaning he can help other players, and Betts has seemingly sought out his help.
In photos circulating online, Betts has been seen carrying Yada on his shoulders without shoes and throwing javelins himself.
Betts’ interest in Yamamoto’s training
During Yamamoto’s first spring training, Betts was among the players eager to learn about the pitcher’s methods.
“If Yoshinobu had an amazing build, I wouldn’t be interested. But he’s similar to me. That’s why his training method intrigued me,” Betts said in the past, per The Chosun Daily.
Yamamoto does yoga, javelin, and barefoot weighted-ball throws, all while focusing on his mechanics and delivery.
Betts, being a hitter and fielder, has different body requirements, but considering Yada’s years of mastering a baseball player’s body, he could end up being healthier than ever and producing better offense.
He had a 104 wRC+ last year, the lowest of his career history, hitting .258/.326/.406.
According to Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, with further work on his body and no illness, the organization is hopeful that he can improve those numbers and put together an amazing season on both sides of the dish.