MLB Network Makes Uncanny Comparison Between Mookie Betts, Barry Bonds
Mookie Betts has taken his power numbers to the next level ever since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, earning comparisons to Barry Bonds in the process.
MLB Network had a segment Monday discussing Betts' standing in the National League MVP race, as well as how he changed his approach at the plate this season. Commentators Tom Verducci and Mark DeRosa also broke down Betts' place in history, including how he measures up to the all-time home run king.
Through 1,231 career games, Betts has 1,444 hits, 247 home runs, 735 RBI, 973 runs and a .527 slugging percentage. Bonds, on the other hand, had 1,225 hits, 236 home runs, 714 RBI, 842 runs and a .528 slugging percentage in his first 1,231 MLB games.
Of the stats highlighted by MLB Network, Betts leads in all except slugging percentage, where he trails by a fraction of a point.
Bonds went on to break the single-season and career home run records by hitting 73 in 2001 and 762 by the time he called it quits in 2007. Steroid allegations prevented Bonds from making the National Baseball Hall of Fame in any of his 10 years on the writers' ballots, but he still ranks fourth all-time with a 162.8 WAR.
The Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants legend was 29 years old through 1,231 games. Betts is currently 30.
While Bonds was much more of a prototypical slugger – especially in his later years – Betts stands at just 5-foot-9.
Betts, who has 34 home runs this season, is trying to post the fourth 40-homer campaign by a player 5-foot-9 or shorter in MLB history. The last player to achieve the feat was Roy Campanella in 1953.
Betts spent the first six seasons of his MLB career with the Boston Red Sox. The Dodgers traded for Betts in 2020, winning the World Series later that year.
Although he trails Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. in the NL MVP race this season, Betts still has an AL MVP, seven All-Star appearances, six Gold Gloves, five Silver Sluggers and a batting title to his name. To this point in his career, Bonds was a three-time NL MVP with four All-Star appearances, five Gold Gloves and five Silver Sluggers.
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