Dodgers News: Mookie Betts ‘Surprised’ With Power Surge This Year

Betts has played on another level this season.

Mookie Betts has been playing at an elite level this season. So elite, in fact, that it could be MVP-worthy.

Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves has long been the favorite to win the 2023 National League Most Valuable Player award, but Betts — as well as teammate Freddie Freeman — are making sure that the award is no gimme.

Betts is batting .298 with a .989 OPS, adding 34 homers, 32 doubles and 86 RBIs in 117 games. He has proven that he can play in both the infield and the outfield and be elite at either spot.

Recently, Betts made an argument for why he should be favored over Freeman, as Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times noted Saturday.

In his last 161 at-bats, Betts has averaged .379 with a 1.238 OPS, 15 home runs, 17 doubles, 39 RBIs and just 24 strikeouts.

On Saturday's second game of the Dodgers' doubleheader matchup against the Miami Marlins, Betts hit two home runs in front of fellow LA star LeBron James.

"It's super cool," Betts said on his salute to James after hitting each home run. "I go to Lakers games sometimes, and I wave to him. We haven't really gotten to talk a whole lot, but game recognizes game, and I had to try to show out for him."

(Via the

Los Angeles Times

)

Betts is on track to hit the most home runs of any season this year, his 10th as a major leaguer. He credited hard work as the fuel behind his successful 2023 campaign.

"I'm surprised, but I'm also not," Betts said. "I've worked really hard to be where I am now, and I'm going to continue to work hard."

(Via the

Los Angeles Times

)

Betts isn't letting his unparalleled success or the MVP competition get to his head.

"I've just got to take it in stride. Whatever comes, comes," Betts said. "Don't get too high or low. I don't really pay attention to numbers. If we go out and win, that's all I really care about."

(Via the

Los Angeles Times

)

If all he cares about is winning, Betts is likely pretty happy these days. The Dodgers have lost just two of their 19 games played in August so far.