Mookie Betts (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Mookie Betts needs to bat lead-off all the time
The Los Angeles Dodgers have tried batting their prized offseason addition at the top of the lineup previously, but not with this sort of success. With the universal DH in play in 2020, being able to turn the lineup over to a player like Betts on a consistent basis almost seems unfair. He has the combination of speed and power to make any team pay, and the San Diego Padres are finding this out the hard way on Thursday night.
Betts hit three home runs in just as many at-bats, and for all I know, has managed to lift another over the fence as I’m writing this curiously-long sentence. But with his latest 3 home run game (his sixth, by the way) he tied Sammy Sosa and Johnny Mize for the most in history.
The Dodgers acquired Mookie Betts for a discount, and they’re taking advantage
LA had to fork over Jeter Downs and Alex Verdugo for Betts and the contractual remains of David Price (and sent Kenta Maeda to the Twins) in what seems like the deal of the century right now. Price is still a valuable No. 2 or No. 3 starter in most rotations, and Betts is one of the best players in all of baseball.
Betts, who signed a 12-year extension with the Dodgers this offseason, put to bed any rumors of a potential Red Sox return in free agency come 2020 free agency.
Betts’ deal will pay him a reported $365 million over the course of his decade-plus contract. It makes sense for both parties, with the Dodgers’ ownership committed to competing over the long haul.