Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Compares Mookie Betts to Shohei Ohtani

Dave Roberts praised Mookie Betts, but which Major League manager wouldn’t praise the Dodgers’ first half MVP?

Betts is having a great year offensively while playing a variety of positions. He leads the Dodgers with 26 home runs, third-most in the Major Leagues, while playing right field, second base, and shortstop. Notably, his defense at every position has been stellar.

Heading into the All-Star break, Roberts was asked for a player in baseball today that he compares Mookie to. The manager definitely must’ve had Shohei Ohtani on the mind while playing the Angels to end the first half.

“I think only comp is Ohtani, and what he does is incomparable. But I think if you’re talking about somebody who’s doing something that’s very unique, at a high level, it’s just rare. You can plug him in shortstop, or second base, and the offensive production is superstar production. Mookie’s willingness, eagerness, to do whatever is asked of him is pretty incredible.”

When Betts plays at either second base or shortstop, the fans see him flash a brilliant smile to tell everyone he loves playing in the infield. As a second baseman, Betts has a .347 batting average with 17 home runs, and as a shortstop, he has a .304 batting average with 3 home runs.

While Betts has won 6 Gold Gloves in right field, he has a .243 batting average with 16 home runs as an outfielder this season.

Nobody else in baseball has played what is essentially the role of a utility player while also putting up MVP-type numbers. Betts stands alone. Much like Ohtani with his ability to pitch at a Cy Young worthy level while also being one of the best hitters in baseball.

Betts might not be on Ohtani’s level, but he’s certainly in his own stratosphere among baseball superstars in 2023.