Mookie Betts Shines in the 2023 Season: A Recap of His Stellar Performance and Outlook for 2024

The 2023 season proved to be one of Mookie Betts’ finest years as he showcased his skills and received recognition from the MLB. Although he had a slow start by his standards, Betts quickly regained his superstar form in May and continued to perform at an exceptional level throughout the season.

By the end of the first half, Betts boasted impressive statistics, hitting.274/.379/.586 with a 157 wRC+ and 26 home runs in 86 games. However, his best was yet to come. In August, he delivered historic results, leading the Dodgers to an impressive 24-5 record and earning Player of the Month honors.

During August, Betts posted remarkable numbers, batting.455/.516/.839 with 10 doubles, 11 home runs, 30 RBI, a.562 wOBA, and a 265 wRC+. He set franchise records for the Los Angeles Dodgers, scoring 35 runs and tallying 51 hits. Betts joined an elite group of players, becoming only the third player since 1900 to achieve a minimum of a.450 batting average, 50 hits, and 10 home runs in a calendar month, alongside Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

Although Betts cooled off in September, his second-half performance was still impressive, hitting.347/.448/.570 with a 180 wRC+. Overall, he finished the season with a.307/.408/.579 slash line, along with 40 doubles, 39 home runs, 107 RBI, 14 stolen bases, 126 runs scored, and a 167 wRC+. He ranked among the top three in the National League in various categories, including wRC+, OPS+ (163), doubles, slugging percentage, on-base plus slugging (.987), and extra-base hits (80). Additionally, he set a new MLB record for the most RBI out of the leadoff spot.

Betts’ outstanding performance earned him recognition and accolades. Although he finished second in the MVP voting, he was named to the All-MLB First Team and won his sixth Silver Slugger Award as an outfielder. Notably, Betts showcased his defensive versatility by appearing in 70 games at second base and 16 games at shortstop. This led to him being recognized as the 2023 multi-position Fielding Bible Award winner, tying the record for the most Fielding Bible Awards with Yadier Molina and Andrelton Simmons.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Betts is expected to lead the powerful Dodgers lineup, which now includes Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández. He will take on the role of the team’s full-time second baseman, a move aimed at keeping him rested and healthy throughout the year. With the potential to set a new career high in runs scored, Betts is poised to once again be one of the best players in baseball.

As the 2024 season approaches, the main question surrounding Betts is what awards he will ultimately secure. With his exceptional skills and contributions, there is no doubt that he will continue to make a significant impact on the field and remain a key asset for the Los Angeles Dodgers.