MLB recognized Mookie Betts on Monday as the National League Player of the Week, rewarding a red-hot stretch that came at just the right moment for the Dodgers. The veteran slugger looked like his old self over the past six games, delivering 12 hits in 26 at-bats (.462 average), including two home runs, three doubles, and 10 runs driven in. He also crossed the plate seven times and finished the week with a blistering .517 on-base percentage, an .808 slugging, and a 1.325 OPS. Those numbers placed him among the league leaders in various categories, ranking second in RBIs, slugging, OPS, and hits; third in batting average; tied for third in runs; fourth in OBP; and tied for fourth in total bases (21).
For Betts, this is the sixth time in his career he has earned the honor and the third since joining Los Angeles. He previously took home the award in late August of 2022 and 2023, making this the third consecutive season he’s caught fire in the final stretch of summer. The timing couldn’t be better, as the Dodgers are gearing up for another postseason run, and Betts’s resurgence offers a significant lift as October looms.
The award also underscores just how far Betts has come since earlier this year, when he endured the most difficult offensive stretch of his career. Entering August, his batting average sat at .239, well below his usual production. Now, he’s lifted that number to .263, while carrying a .332 on-base percentage, a .742 OPS, and 18 home runs. While those totals don’t mirror his MVP-caliber peaks, they highlight his resilience and ability to deliver when it matters most.
Betts himself has pointed to a change in approach as part of the turnaround. Instead of putting pressure on himself to be the centerpiece of the lineup, he has leaned into more of a role-player mindset, focusing on the finer details of his game. That shift has paid dividends not only at the plate but also in the field. Known for his Gold Glove work in the outfield, Betts has taken on the challenge of playing shortstop this season, a role that has proven critical for the Dodgers. His willingness to adapt has given manager Dave Roberts flexibility and further underscored his value.
At 32 years old, Betts continues to demonstrate that he can make an impact in multiple ways through his bat, his glove, his versatility, and his leadership. His latest award serves as a reminder that even in a season of ups and downs, he remains one of the players most capable of swinging momentum in the Dodgers’ favor down the stretch.