Jumping ships does not necessarily mean badmouthing the former—that’s what Mookie Betts is proving. While he is now out of the Tokyo Series owing to his illness, he got candid about how he felt playing for the Red Sox previously and now, with the Dodgers. When Betts was at the top of his game, he did everything for the Red Sox, including getting the World Series ring, All-Star selection, and AL MVP (2018). However, that wasn’t the best version of him. Why? Was the Red Sox culture detrimental to Betts then?
Well, it was just that Betts went to the next level after joining the Dodgers in 2020. His performance kept up and his personality blossomed since his trade and solidified his legacy with the Dodgers over the previous five seasons. Betts scored 32 homers in 2019 for the Red Sox, his highest with the team. In contrast, for the Dodgers, he scored 35 and 39 home runs in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Yes, that’s how the numbers kept going up for him. However, for Betts, it was his initial days with the Red Sox that shaped him into what he is today.
“That was kind of the way of Boston. You keep your head down, you stay focused and you keep your head down. I’m very thankful for that because that taught me to work,” Betts said in a podcast with ‘Baseball Is Dead‘. The likes of David Ortiz and Mike Napoli were there in Boston to help him get groomed, but then, why get with the Dodgers? Well, that’s for contending for the World Series ring more often. From 2009-2020, the Dodgers failed to get into the playoffs just three times. “The reason I love being a Dodger.” Betts reflected. “Just because we compete every year.”
Mookie Betts is eyeing for his fourth ring
So what made the Dodgers such a formidable team in the last few years, as stated by Mookie Betts? Well, most credits go to their front office. Yes, they made the smart moves in getting the biggest names for the team, even at the cost of skyrocketing their payroll. Betts added, “The Dodgers be like if you gonna win, you gonna play for us.” The Dodgers’ 2025 payroll stands north of $300 million. In contrast, the Red Sox’s payroll this year stands at $210 million. Thus, more than just the culture, it’s the desperation of the Dodgers to get the best that makes them ahead.
The Dodgers are setting benchmarks in every way possible. They are set to field 3 pitchers with a 150+ strikeout projection by the names of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki. The first game of the Tokyo Series proved why the Dodgers are ahead of other teams. Expectedly, they are starting this season as favorites and poised to get back their second consecutive ring. Something Betts would love to add to his 3-ring cabinet. The Red Sox is also not left behind, mainly after that Alex Bregman stunt at the last minute.
Reportedly, Mookie Betts will play from the opening day. Do you agree with Betts regarding the cultural comparison between the Red Sox and Dodgers? Let us know in the comment section below.
The post Mookie Betts Sparks Red Sox vs. Dodgers Debate with Candid Culture Comparison appeared first on EssentiallySports.