Mookie Betts will not be going to the White House with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Multiple reports confirm Betts is among the players expected to skip the team's traditional championship visit to Washington, D.C. The Dodgers won the World Series in 2024, earning the customary invitation from the sitting president.

Why is Mookie Betts skipping the White House visit?

The Dodgers' White House visit is scheduled for later this month. Betts has not publicly stated his reasons for opting out. But he's far from alone.

Several teammates are also expected to stay home. The decision is personal for each player. Some skip for political reasons. Others just don't want to travel during a short break in the season.

Betts has a history of making his own choices on these matters. He's never been one to follow the crowd blindly.

What's the history of players skipping White House visits?

This isn't new. Athletes across all sports have skipped White House visits for decades.

The trend picked up steam during the Trump administration. Many players chose to stay away for political reasons. But players also skipped during Obama's years.

In 2021, several Dodgers players skipped the visit after their 2020 World Series win. Betts was part of that team too. He went to the White House that time.

Now he's choosing a different path.

How does this affect the Dodgers?

The Dodgers will still send a delegation to the White House. Manager Dave Roberts is expected to attend. So are several star players.

But Betts is one of the biggest names in baseball. His absence will be noticed. The team won't make a big deal about it publicly.

Players have the right to decide for themselves. The Dodgers organization has always supported that.

What comes next for Mookie Betts?

Betts will use the time off to rest. The Dodgers have a game the day after the visit. He'll be fresh and ready to play.

The season is long. Every day off matters. Betts is hitting .304 this year with 18 home runs. He's a key piece of the Dodgers' lineup.

Skipping the White House doesn't change his focus. He wants another ring. The Dodgers are in first place in the NL West.

Betts will let his bat do the talking. That's always been his style.