When the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Mookie Betts from the Boston Red Sox this past February, it was with an eye on ending the franchise’s World Series drought.
The club had fallen short of getting over the hump in recent years and prioritized adding another frontline-caliber player to the roster. The hope was that Betts could serve as the final piece of the puzzle.
The 28-year-old more than exceeded lofty expectations in his first season with the Dodgers and played a huge role in the organization winning its seventh World Series championship.
Betts made multiple highlight-reel catches throughout the postseason and was responsible for some of the Dodgers’ biggest hits. He scored the go-ahead run in Game 6 and later belted a solo home run that solidified the clinching World Series victory against the Tampa Bay Rays.
By helping the Dodgers cross the finish line, Betts entered uncharted territory. According to Elias Sports Bureau, he became the first player in MLB history to win an MVP Award and World Series title with two different teams before the age of 30.
Mookie Betts is the first player ever to win MVP and a World Series title with 2 different franchises before turning 30 years old.
h/t @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/I4kUpdYgIs
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 28, 2020
Betts was part of the 2018 Red Sox team that defeated the Dodgers in the World Series. He took home MVP honors that year and was one of the three finalists for this season’s NL MVP Award, which went to Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman.
In 55 games, Betts hit .292/.366/.562 with 16 home runs, 39 RBI, 47 runs scored and 10 stolen bases while also providing elite defense in right field.
His 11 defensive runs saved this season were 10 more than any other qualified NL right fielder. He additionally led players at his position in UZR (6.0) and Def (3.7).
Betts was recognized for his defensive efforts with his fifth career Gold Glove and a Fielding Bible Award.
Betts among Dodgers nominees for 2020 All-MLB Team
Betts, in addition to Corey Seager, Justin Turner, AJ Pollock, Will Smith and Clayton Kershaw, was nominated for the 2020 All-MLB Team.
The second annual voting for this honor began on Halloween and ran through Friday. Winners will be announced on MLB Network on Dec. 7.
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