Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Believes Mookie Betts’ Versatility Has Earned Him MVP Award
Having the talents of two NL MVP candidates at his disposal for the majority of 2023, Dave Roberts has his pick for which of the top two bats in his lineup he'd pick for the award.
Between his superstars Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, LA's skipper had a simple answer for why he'd choose the former of the two.
“Mookie’s having a tremendous year,” Roberts said. “It’s not hard to say Mookie’s the Most Valuable Player. But I have a hard time because I think that people look at the numbers solely, but the numbers of what Freddie is doing — the runs scored, the runs batted in, the doubles, all that he brings to our club — I’m telling you, he is right there with Mookie for me. But I think Mookie’s ability to come in and play on the dirt, which gave runway to Jason Heyward to play right field, I feel good about saying I’d give him the slight nod.
Roberts was always asked if that should give him the nod of Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Braves.
"I hope that the people that have the votes take that into account," Roberts said. "A guy that can come from one position and play Gold Glove, to play Gold Glove at another position, to then create length in your lineup to make your offense one of the better ones in baseball, is huge value.”
The way Betts has seamlessly fit onto the infield for platoon bats to hit the Dodgers lineup has been increasingly important for LA considering the bevy of injuries that they've had to deal with.
While Freddie Freeman's durability has been extra commendable for this very reason, Betts' own contributions in this regard also can't be ignored.
Though the individual honor to make either star a multi-time MVP award winner is great, the Dodgers remain focused on a World Series trophy at Chavez Ravine this season.
