While Shohei Ohtani’s brilliance is getting all the attention, the hitter just in front of him isn’t doing any less. If anything, Mookie Betts might even be playing an even more important role for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. From being an amazing leadoff to becoming a shortstop for the first time in his career, Betts’ 2024 has been filled with upheavals. But even after all of that, the superstar is creating history in ways that few people have ever seen.

On Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star hit his 50th homer as a leadoff. That left him just 3 behind Craig Biggio in the list of most homers as a leadoff. Betts currently sits as the all-time fifth and could be sitting just behind Ricky Henderson (81) as the 2nd highest homer by the end of this season. These are generational numbers and once again show the kind of domination that Betts enjoys at the plate. But what is it that makes Betts special?

Top analyst Mark Derosa explained using examples of yesteryear stars. “He’s the best lead-off hitter in the game and I think it’s a special talent to be able to lead off a game,” Derosa said about Betts. “People say, ‘Oh you only lead off once’ not true. I think you set the rhythm and tone for the entire lineup. He brings everything to the table.” 

However, the real praise came later. Derosa compared Betts to greats like Rickey Henderson and George Springer to explain how pivotal he is to the Dodgers’ success. Derosa remembered how AJ Hinch was once asked why he used Springer as a lead-off. To this, the manager explained, “Because I want to punch the opposition in the face with energy and power right out of the gate.” Derosa explained how “that is exactly what Mookie Betts gives you.”

Betts’ greatness is slowly getting recognized by nearly everyone. From experts to fans, the entire baseball world is wondering whether a second MVP award is in store for the superstar.

Mookie Betts continues to lead MVP talks with only his Dodgers teammate in competition

According to The Score, Mookie Betts currently ranks on top in the NL MVP race. With a WAR of 2.9, the superstar is on pace to have his career-high numbers. From his shortstop antics to an extraordinary slash of .341/.440/.553, Betts has been on a class of his own this season. However, with his Los Angeles Dodgers teammate right on his heels, it’s shaping up to be a great competition in LA.

Shohei Ohtani sits just behind with 2.6 WAR. The two-way phenom currently leads the Dodgers in nearly every metric. The Blue Crew certainly have a generational team in their hands. Now, can this lead them to the promised land? With the form that they are in currently, there’s a high chance that they just might do that.