Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Sets New Career Milestone Amid MVP-Caliber Season

Mookie Betts blasted his 36th home run of the season, a new career-high.

Everyone who follows baseball knows Mookie Betts is having a super season, and on Tuesday, he hit a new career-high 36th home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

36 homers? That's a new career-high for Mookie! pic.twitter.com/0AzhQdPcOw

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 30, 2023

After the 2022 season, the Dodgers wanted Betts to go to Drive Line to get his swing analyzed. While he wasn’t excited about the trip, he obeyed his employer. Drive Line only suggested Betts add more weight to generate more power.

This past offseason, Betts gained 8 pounds of muscle. While he ramped up his game more rapidly than usual because he participated in the World Baseball Classic, Betts is having his best season as a Dodger.

This year, he has played Gold Glove-caliber defense at second base, shortstop, and right field. Despite being the best right fielder, Betts agreed to play in the infield when the Dodgers suffered injuries to their infielders. He enjoys playing his natural position, second base.

Since April, Betts has been destroying the ball. His .314 batting average is seventh highest in the National League. His 36 home runs are tied for fifth, and his 94 RBI are the fifth highest in the league. His 1.020 OPS is the second highest in the league, only trailing Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani.

While Betts participated in the Home Run Derby, he has still had a great second half. This past week, he earned the National League Player of the Week award. Betts’ added strength has helped his endurance. Without Betts’ super play, the Dodgers wouldn’t be running away with the National League West.