Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Ranked in Top Five in Recent NL MVP Poll
Mookie Betts might be sidelined with a rib injury, but baseball analysts have not forgotten his incredible impact on the Dodgers. Before he landed on the Injured List, Betts was among the league leaders in home runs and runs scored. The superstar outfielder had a scorching-hot May (1.157 OPS) and was a key factor in the Dodgers strong start.
In MLB.com’s latest NL MVP poll, Betts received two first-place votes to finish fifth in the poll. MLB.com’s David Adler underscored why Betts, despite being injured, still merited consideration.
“The leader of our last NL MVP poll rounds out the top five of this one. …he can’t return soon enough with the Dodgers in a tight race with Machado and the Padres. The 2018 AL MVP (and 2020 NL runner-up with Los Angeles) has 17 home runs this season to go along with his stellar play in the outfield.”
On the season, Betts owns a 148 wRC+ and .884 OPS and by most accounts, was the Dodgers best hitter. During meteoric May, he tied Hall-of-Fame catcher Roy Campanella’s record for most home runs in the month of May (12).
Betts wasn’t the only Dodgers player included in the NL MVP poll. Shortstop Trea Turner received an undisclosed amount of votes.
One thing is inarguable though, the Dodgers need Mookie Betts back in the lineup if they’re going to capture their ninth NL West crown in ten seasons and make a deep playoff run.
If Mookie returns in a couple of weeks, do you think he can win the NL MVP this season? Let us know in the comments below!
Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!
Dodgers News: Mitch White Gets the Start Today in Atlanta
