The Los Angeles Dodgers are the best team in baseball, but not everything has gone their way this season. A lot of their stars haven't exactly looked like themselves. Outfielder Mookie Betts was one of those who were struggling.
From April 8th to April 20th, the former AL MVP had just eight hits and three runs batted in to go along with a slash line of .178/.289/.222. However, he has come alive in his last 15 games. He has five homers, 10 runs batted in, and a slash line of .328/.412/.603.
“I’ve felt pretty good, but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped grinding,” Betts told the Los Angeles Times. “Still in the cage working, still a work in progress just to be able to do it night in and night out.”
Betts talked about how his mental state has influenced his recent performance. “I think just the mental side of it has been the biggest difference,” he said. “Just being more positive. Looking for the next opportunity instead of dwelling on the last one. And just trying to enjoy each and every day.”
The Dodgers are hoping this is a sign of Betts returning to the MVP-level play he has provided in the past. Betts' first season with the Dodgers was the shortened 2020 season, and he finished second in NL MVP voting. He'd also win the World Series with Los Angeles that year.
In 2021, however, Betts' production dipped a bit. He hit 23 home runs and just 58 RBI in 122 games. He had a slash line of .264/.367/.487. With this recent surge, the hope is that Betts gets back to the form that won him an MVP in Boston.
Betts was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2011. He made his major league debut in 2014 as a 21-year-old. He broke out in 2016, hitting 31 home runs and driving in 113 runs en route to a second-place finish in AL MVP voting.
It was the 2018 season in which Betts would win the AL MVP. His 32 home runs, 80 RBI, and .346 batting average led the Red Sox to the best record in the American League. The Sox and Betts would go on to defeat the Dodgers in the World Series.
Betts said that, during his struggles, he didn't feel as if he was "mentally tough." He told the LA Times that he was allowing his frustrations to creep in, causing doubt.
However, he's found a new routine that's helped put things into perspective for him. “That’s why you see me smile and those types of things a lot more. We don’t play this game long enough to dwell and be sad all the time," he said.
