LOS ANGELES — Mookie Betts Sets Retirement Timeline, Eyes Final Seven Seasons With Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to solidify their status as the preeminent powerhouse in Major League Baseball, with a roster stacked from top to bottom and a payroll that intimidates every opponent.

Even if the Dodgers had simply returned their 2023 roster intact, they would have been heavy favorites to win a third consecutive World Series next season. Returning stars such as Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto already provide a combination of elite pitching, power, and versatility unmatched by most of the league.

But the Dodgers did not merely “run back” the roster. They aggressively pursued additional talent in the offseason, securing coveted free agents Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz, enhancing both their offensive firepower and bullpen depth. These moves significantly increase the team’s chances of completing a historic three-peat and cementing their dynasty in Los Angeles.

With such a formidable roster, it is difficult to imagine a future in which the Dodgers are not perennial favorites, barring retirements or catastrophic injuries. And now, at least one of the team’s cornerstone players has publicly signaled exactly when he plans to step away from the game.

During a recent appearance on the podcast “What Drives You” hosted by John Cena, Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts discussed the trajectory of his career and confirmed that he intends to retire once his current contract concludes.

“Yeah, yeah, for sure,” Betts stated when asked if he would call it a career at the end of his deal, according to a clip shared by Dodgers Nation. “For sure. I’ll be 40, my little girl will be 14, 15, my son will be 10. I know for me, my parents were always there, and I want to do that same thing for my kids.”

Betts’ statement puts a clear timeline on the Dodgers’ plans. After signing a 12-year, $365 million extension in 2020, his contract is set to expire following the 2032 season, meaning Los Angeles can anticipate seven more seasons of Betts’ contributions, assuming he maintains health and performance levels sufficient to retain a meaningful role in the lineup.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment in Betts’ career. Though he has been a cornerstone for the Dodgers since arriving in Los Angeles, last season offered perhaps the first indications of physical decline affecting his production.

In 2025, Betts battled multiple setbacks, including a lingering toe injury and a significant stomach virus that caused him to miss games and ultimately the All-Star Game for the first time in five seasons. These interruptions contributed to a noticeable dip in offensive output, as he finished the campaign with a slash line of .258/.326/.406, below his career averages.

Despite the decline, Betts remains a highly impactful player. His defensive excellence at shortstop has consistently been Gold Glove caliber, and he continues to anchor the infield with elite range, quickness, and instincts that are difficult to replace. Even with reduced offensive numbers, Betts’ presence improves both the Dodgers’ defensive efficiency and overall roster flexibility.

The Dodgers’ front office is well aware of Betts’ plan and seems prepared to build strategically around him for the remainder of his career. Having seven seasons of Betts’ veteran leadership, consistent defense, and offensive production allows the organization to plan long-term for both player development and championship contention.

With stars like Ohtani, Freeman, Tucker, and Diaz complementing Betts, the Dodgers are constructing one of the most intimidating lineups in modern MLB history. Betts’ ability to impact games both on the bases and in the field, combined with his experience in high-leverage postseason situations, ensures he will remain central to the Dodgers’ title aspirations until the end of his contract.

For fans, Betts’ retirement timeline provides clarity and a bittersweet perspective. While seven more years of seeing him perform at the highest level is an exciting prospect, every season will be a countdown toward the conclusion of a Hall-of-Fame-worthy career that has already yielded multiple Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers, and three World Series championships.

The Dodgers will need to balance maintaining competitiveness with the reality that one of their foundational stars will eventually exit the game. Planning for succession, while maximizing Betts’ remaining prime years, will be a central theme for management. Young players and prospects will be groomed alongside Betts to ensure the team’s sustained dominance, even after he steps away.

Ultimately, Betts’ announcement underscores both his professionalism and his commitment to family. By choosing to retire when his contract ends, he ensures that his final years in baseball align with personal priorities while continuing to contribute meaningfully to a franchise at the peak of its competitive window.

As the Dodgers prepare for the upcoming season, the league’s focus will not only be on the team’s pursuit of another championship but also on witnessing the remaining prime years of a legendary player. Betts’ impact on the Dodgers—both on and off the field—will continue to shape the team’s identity, strategy, and pursuit of a three-peat for years to come.

In the end, Mookie Betts’ career in Los Angeles is far from over, but fans can now mark their calendars: every season between now and 2032 will feature the star shortstop leaving his mark, knowing that each at-bat, each defensive play, and each leadership moment brings the Dodgers closer to both immediate and long-term glory.