Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Brings Home Prestigious Fielding Bible Award

Another honor for the superstar.

Dodger MVP candidate Mookie Betts had a year to remember after a dominant regular season in 2023. 

For as good as Betts was at the plate in the 162-game grind, the superstar earned recognition for his defense through the sixth Fielding Bible award of his career. 

2023 Fielding Bible Awards🏆

Multi-Position Winner - Mookie Betts, @Dodgers @LosDodgers

*6th career Fielding Bible Award

* Ties Yadier Molina and Andrelton Simmons for most Fielding Bible Awards won

* 6 Runs Saved at 2nd base, 3 Runs Saved in RF#HereToPlay @mookiebetts pic.twitter.com/cs12SYmNkj

— SIS_Baseball (@sis_baseball) October 26, 2023

The former Red Sox superstar earned the award thanks to an unselfish mentality headed into this season. 

Several veteran outfielders contributed to the Dodger lineup throughout the summer but Betts may have been the main reason why such an outcome occurred. 

David Peralta and Jason Heyward had quality plate appearances thanks to Betts' move to the infield for the first extended period of his career. 

Betts came into the league as a second baseman but didn't see significant run at the position until this season out of necessity. 

Miguel Vargas' struggles paired with Heyward's emergence in right field opened the door for Betts' move to the middle infield. 

Despite speculation for the shift in position, Betts fielded second base quite well in just another manifestation of the unselfish attitude of the 2023 Dodgers. 

The new position didn't take away from Betts' stellar play from his normal post either. 

Oftentimes during games manager Dave Roberts slid Betts back to right field for the closing innings as LA's versatile lead-off man fielded both at a great level. 

Betts couldn't translate his regular season success into the postseason as he went hitless in the team's sweep against the NL champion Diamondbacks. 

Nonetheless, Betts' achievements in the regular season will add to a great 2023 season that can't be ignored. 

A new career high in home runs, another All-Star nod, and a return back to significant MVP consideration all made 2023 the most memorable year for Betts in LA since 2020. 

While postseason struggles remain a major question for the Dodgers' superstar, he can at least take solace in his great defense in preparation for 2024.