When the Los Angeles Dodgers completed a trade for Mookie Betts and David Price, it was with a clear eye on ending the franchise’s World Series drought. President of baseball operations raved about both players, but said he likely would never acquire a player better than Betts.
The 2018 American League MVP downplayed needing to be the lone difference-maker, noting it would take a complete effort for the Dodgers to win the title. It was a message Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also expressed, though it was clear Betts would play an important role.
As Opening Day of the season was delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the risk that accompanied the trade was eliminated when Betts signed a record-setting 12-year contract extension.
Then came a bit of an uneven start to his Dodgers tenure, which included being limited by a minor right hand injury for a brief stretch of games. Betts eventually found his footing, especially after being permanently slotted in the leadoff spot of the Dodgers lineup.
He finished the year batting .292/.366/.562 with nine doubles, 16 home runs and 39 RBI during. The production earned Betts a fourth career Silver Slugger Award. He additionally was strong in the field, which led to a fifth consecutive Gold Glove and a Fielding Bible Award.
Other honors Betts earned for the 2020 season included a selection to the All-MLB First Team, being named the Sports Illustrated Player of the Year and he was informally recognized for the best play of the season with a throw that also registered as the longest made by any player.
The postseason saw Betts continue to contribute both in the field and at the plate. He memorably made a trio of impressive catches during the National League Championship Series, wreaked havoc on the basepaths and delivered a knockout punch in the World Series with a home run in Game 6.
“It just means everything,” he said after the Dodgers won the championship. “I was traded for to help get us over the hump. I used that as my fuel. Since Day 1 that’s obviously been the goal, so I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
2020 highlight
Focusing on the regular season, Betts had a historic performance against the San Diego Padres on Aug. 13. Betts slugged three home runs, marking a sixth time he’s done so in his career, which tied with Sammy Sosa and Johnny Mize for most in MLB history.
2021 outlook
Betts will remain entrenched in right field and presumably continue to hit atop the Dodgers lineup.
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