Boston Red Sox: Mookie Betts wagering on millions with 2018 performance
Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts is putting himself in the conversation with Mike Trout as baseball’s best player.
Right now, Mookie Betts is simply in a league of his own. Following what many classify as a down year in 2017, the Boston Red Sox young outfielder is once again making a case for MVP and also making a case for a big payday.
Through 43 games, the Red Sox right fielder is leading Major League Baseball in just about every major offensive category. Home runs, hits, batting average, you name it and Betts name is right there either at the top or near the top of the leaderboard.
The most impressive part of Mookie’s production so far this season is that he is doing it at the top of the lineup. Both his consistency and power at the top of the order as set the tone for the Boston Red Sox offense and is a reason why the team got off to such a hot start.
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If he keeps up this success, Mookie Betts is in for a big payday. Already staking his claim as the best player in baseball, the Red Sox slugger is clearly making his case to get paid like the best. If the Boston Red Sox aren’t willing to back up the Brinks Trunk, then some other team in baseball is going to give this man the money he is worth.
A consistent presence
Of course, this all depends on how consistent he can be throughout the season. He has the talent, the personality and the complete package to make an impact offensively and defensively. Most importantly, he has made the necessary changes to progress as a professional baseball player.
One of those changes has been his aggressive approach at the plate.
In an appearance on WEEI’s “Bradfo Sho,” Mookie Betts attributed his success to those around him, primarily the hitters he has been around this season.
"“Obviously, I’m trying to be more aggressive swinging, and with J.D. (Martinez) and Timmy and Andy, they’ve been kind of the main ones helping me as far as the type of swing and what I’ve learned through my swing and how to get the most out of it,” Betts said during the appearance. “Hanley (Ramirez) has been a big part in this whole process too. I think I found the sources to kind of help me with what I’m supposed to be learning.”"
Betts has also received tips and leadership from David Ortiz who said before the season that the 25-year-old slugger would emerge at the guy in Boston. With the way he is swinging the bat and playing the game of baseball, he has certainly become just that.
Add to that the type of leadership Big Papi presented in the clubhouse and on the field and the Boston Red Sox are going to have to think about paying the player they already have instead of going after a Manny Machado or Bryce Harper.
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In other words, Mookie Betts is wagering on millions in worth. A superstar who has arrived.