The Los Angeles Dodgers fell short of their goal of winning the World Series this year, but still enjoyed a successful season by many accounts.
The team captured the National League West title for the 10th time in the last 11 seasons behind their fourth 100-win campaign since 2019.
Making those accomplishments all the more impressive was the fact that the Dodgers were plagued by injuries throughout the year. L.A. also lost several key contributors in free agency and had to rely on numerous rookies.
Mookie Betts reflected on the 2023 season and despite not winning the World Series, he said it was the most fun he’s had in his career, via SportsNet LA:
“It was a lot of fun this year. This year is probably some of the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball and I think that definitely showed throughout the whole year from all of us. I feel like we all played pretty good. Obviously, some injuries made it tough, especially late. But I think even with those injuries, we still had fun playing. Like, even the guys that weren’t playing that were hurt, they were having fun coming to the field. And so it was really a good atmosphere and I think that led to a lot of guys playing well.”
Betts just completed his 10th MLB season and has been part of some special teams in his career. He earned American League MVP honors and a World Series title with the Boston Red Sox in 2018 before helping the Dodgers win the Fall Classic two years later.
The 31-year-old is coming off one of his best statistical seasons as he hit .307/.408/.579/ with 40 doubles, 39 home runs, 107 RBI and 14 stolen bases in 152 games this year.
Betts won his sixth Silver Slugger Award and finished second in National League MVP honors behind the Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr.
In addition to his statistical accomplishments, Betts spent a lot of time playing the infield, which is his favorite place to play. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said playing Betts at second base helped keep him focused and acted almost like a day off.
Mookie Betts among Dodgers’ nominees for 2023 All-MLB Team
The Dodgers had Betts, Freddie Freeman, Clayton Kershaw, J.D. Martinez, Evan Phillips and Will Smith named among the nominees for the 2023 All-MLB Team. All-MLB honors were first established in 2019 and recognize the best player or players at each position during the season.
Selections to the All-MLB Teams will be composed of 50% fan vote and 50% baseball media panel voting. The winners will be announced Saturday, December 16, on MLB Network.
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