Shohei Ohtani Shines, but Mookie Betts’ Versatility Makes Him Dave Roberts’ True MVP

Los Angeles Dodgers fans, fret no more! While the team might be searching for consistency, according to MLB legend David Justice on Change the Game Sports, there’s a hidden gem shining brightly within the squad, silently making a huge impact on the team’s overall performance. This player, says Justice, is none other than Mookie Betts, and it’s not just for his hitting prowess.

“Mookie Betts, to me, is probably one of the most athletic baseball players in the game,” Justice lauds. His point? Betts’ willingness to seamlessly switch positions is a rare quality in today’s baseball scene. “A gold glove-style right fielder who says, ‘I’ll go to shortstop, I’ll go to second base’—that’s a consummate professional, consummate teammate, right?” Justice elaborates.

This flexibility, he believes, is a boon for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, giving him the freedom to strategically move players around for optimal team performance. But Betts’ value extends far beyond his defensive adaptability. As Justice highlights, the Blue Crews’ batting order boasts a dream sequence of hitters, with Betts leading the charge.

“You’ve got Mookie leading off, hitting .350 with an on-base percentage over .400;” Following Betts is the reigning American League MVP, Shohei Ohtani, another offensive powerhouse. Justice isn’t shy about his optimism for the team’s top three alongside Freddie Freeman: “One, two, and three is going to carry that team this whole year consistently,” he declares.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Justice argues that Mookie Betts’ presence at the top of the order creates a ripple effect, positively impacting the entire lineup. “The happiest men in the lineup gotta be Teoscar Hernández and Will Smith,” he revels, explaining how Betts getting on base consistently translates to more scoring opportunities for the players batting behind him.

Imagine Teoscar Hernández, who drove in 93 RBIs last year, potentially reaching 120 RBIs in 2024. This offensive surge, according to Justice, is a direct consequence of the pressure Betts puts on opposing pitchers. While the spotlight might be on Betts’ versatility, there’s no denying his superstar teammate’s undeniable talent.

Shohei Ohtani: A force to be reckoned with, along with Mookie Betts

Justice acknowledges Ohtani’s brilliance, placing him right behind Betts in the batting order and praising his hitting prowess. But let’s not forget that Ohtani is a two-way phenom, excelling as both a pitcher and a hitter. Albeit yet to rejuvenate his pitching self, this unique skill set makes him a valuable asset to the Dodgers, adding another layer of complexity for opposing teams to contend with.

Betts’ impact goes beyond the stat sheet. His leadership and adaptability set the tone for the entire team. Justice highlights his professionalism and willingness to do whatever it takes to win—a quality that inspires his teammates and creates a winning atmosphere in the dugout.

Ohtani’s a walking highlight reel; there’s no doubt about that. But David Justice’s insider perspective exposes a potentially championship-altering factor: Betts’ chameleon act. His smooth glove across positions and his knack for getting on base could be the secret sauce the Dodgers need to crack the code in 2024. Will Betts orchestrate a symphony of runs, turning teammates like Hernández into RBI machines? 

Justice’s prediction, for now, hinges on Mookie Betts’ ability to elevate the entire lineup. This year’s race to the title just got a whole lot more interesting. With Betts’ dynamic versatility at the helm, the Boys in Blue will definitely be a team to watch.