Mookie Betts

Stats

In six seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Mookie Betts averaged a .301 batting average, 965 hits, 139 RBI's, 126 stolen bases, and a career WAR of 42. To add to this already impressive sheet, he won the World Series in 2018 (against the Dodgers). There is no argument to be made in countering the point that Betts has been one of the most productive players in baseball. Given that Betts alone (a former MVP winner) is enough to make an average team contend, he will now be combined with the likes of Cody Bellinger, last year's league MVP.

What value is brought to LA?

Betts brings an amazing right handed bat that can hit for power, averaging .295 and 29 home runs on last season. He can also run the bases pretty well, as evident by his 16 stolen bases last year. Combined with his stellar fielding capabilities (winning his fourth straight Gold Glove award), it is more than fair to say that Mookie remains one of baseball's most athletic players. Betts also brings veteran leadership to the Dodgers, as evident by his crucial role in the 2018 Red Sox world series win and season MVP. He can help plenty of young players, such as Gavin Lux and Corey Seager, succeed given his innate talent and previously established leadership. The Dodgers expect big things from Mookie, to say the least. It has also been said within the lockeroom that this Dodgers team is ready and willing to learn from a lot that Mookie has to offer— an exciting approach in entering the upcoming season.

Predictions

I believe Mookie Betts will bat .306 with 33 homers, 97 RBI's (if batting leadoff), 23 stolen bases, and have a WAR of 7.3. Betts is very capable of these numbers and in going to L.A. (a much stronger lineup than before), I think he will be one of the best players on that team come 2020. His predicted leadoff stature within the lineup will allow him the perfect opportunity to steal plenty of bases, score plenty of runs, and knock in lower guys in the lineup batting 8th and 9th when needed. Combined with the hitting talent of Bellinger, Muncy, Seager, and Turner, Betts accomplishes the unity from within that LA's been looking for.

Will Betts be coming back after this season?

Will Mookie Betts help the Dodgers bring a title to Los Angeles for the first time since 1988? Or will he bust under the pressure?

I believe Mookie Betts will sign an extension because the Dodgers have shown to be a really good club house over the past five years in keeping their primary talent. However, Andrew Friedman (LA's president of baseball operations) has not given a player a long-term contract, leading many to believe that LA has commitment issues. With the Dodgers trying to win a World Series this year, I believe Friedman will give Mookie the money he wants to keep the club together if this year's team finds sustainable success. Also, Friedman has been quoted saying, “We obviously know his team control is up after 2020. We’re hoping that he falls in love with the team, the city, the fans, and wants to be here for a long time”, pertaining to Mookie. I also firmly believe Betts is the final piece to this outstanding Dodger team that has been tried and cheated by the likes of other top-talent teams. I think the Los Angeles Dodgers will win the 2020 World Series now that they have their man!