What has been a trying season for Mookie Betts is suddenly on the upswing as there’s been marked improvement at the plate over the past two weeks.
Included in that was Betts helping power the Dodgers to a sweep of the Minnesota Twins by nearly hitting for the cycle. He finished a triple shy, going 3-for-4 in the win. Betts’ home run was the 300th of his career.
“It’s special, I guess. It just means I’m old and I’ve been here for a long time,” Betts told Kirsten Watson on SportsNet LA of reaching the career milestone. “But I guess it kind of comes with the territory. I’ve been pretty good. Just got to keep going and helping the boys win.”
Since a left hand fracture derailed an MVP-caliber campaign in 2024, Betts has put an emphasis on finding ways to contribute while his offense lagged behind. That was no more apparent than last August, when Betts conceded, “My season is kind of over.”
He was optimistic heading into Spring Training but a right oblique strain early in the season presented yet another hurdle.
But since snapping a three-game hitless drought on June 6, Betts is batting .318/.366/.515 with four doubles, three home runs, four RBI and a 145 wRC+ in 71 plate appearances over 16 contests. Included in that stretch are six multi-hit games.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted he felt the four-time World Series champion has more confidence recently.
“I think he’s confident because his swing is in a good spot, hitting the ball hard. The last couple weeks he’s hit the ball hard but hasn’t had a lot of fortune,” Roberts explained. “But lately he’s gotten a couple hits that are just falling, which is great. Just the quality of at-bat, hitting the ball harder.”
While Betts and the Dodgers have waited for improved production at the plate, he’s continued to play a stellar shortstop and advanced to the second round of voting to remain in the running for a start in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
Mookie Betts in elite territory
Betts became the 169th player in MLB history to reach 300 career homers. But of those, he’s among just 30 players all-time with at least 400 doubles, 300 home runs and 150 stolen bases.
Moreover, Betts is one of just five players in MLB history with a minimum of 300 homers, 150 stolen bases and 10 defensive war. That group also includes Andruw Jones, Mike Schmidt, Willie Mays and Alex Rodriguez.
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