Dodgers were eager to sign Betts, considered one of the best all-around players in the majors
One of the bright spots for the Los Angeles Dodgers during this 2020-21 Covid-shortened, 60-game season, has been the newly acquired Mookie Betts.
Betts, the 27-year-old former Boston Red Sox star outfielder and American League MVP signed a colossal 12-year extension with the Dodgers worth $365 million on the night before Opening Day. Combined with the one-year, $27 million contract he's currently playing out, Betts' total comes to 13 years and $392 million.
The Dodgers were eager to sign Betts before he became an unrestricted free agent after the 2020 season.
He earned that contract because Betts is considered one of the best all-around players in the majors. He can hit with power, has great speed and four Gold Gloves in right field. Since 2016, he ranks second with 93 defensive runs saved. And he's posted four straight seasons with at least 100 runs, 40 doubles and 20 homers, tying him with Robinson Cano and Albert Pujols for the longest such streak in the expansion era, which began in 1961.
Betts was also crowned MVP after the Red Sox won the World Series in 2018, beating the Dodgers.
During his introductory press videoconference from Dodger Stadium, Betts said, "I just love being here. I love everything about it here. I'm here to win some rings and bring championships back to LA. That's all I'm focused on."
And so far this season, that's what he's doing.
After getting off to a slow start this season, and sustaining a minor injury to his middle finger on his left hand during an at-bat, Betts has shown significant improvement. He explained that struggles at the plate at the beginning of this season were partly due to not being able to adequately work on his swing because of health and safety protocols mandated by MLB.
Currently, with 64 at-bats in 17 games, Betts, a four-time All-Star, has 18 hits, nine runs scored, six doubles, four homers, and 10 RBI, giving him a batting average of .281.
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