Mookie Betts has achieved another milestone by adding his name to the elite list of players. The Dodgers shortstop completed 10 years since his MLB debut. Considering the fragile nature of MLB sports, it’s an impressive feat. Breaching the 30-year-old mark, the veteran shows no signs of slowing down. Also, for the All-Star Game, he has been selected as a reserve player to represent Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Going back in time, ten years ago, Betts came into MLB with the Boston Red Sox, becoming one of the top right fielders. In 2018, he won the MVP cap, riding on a .346 batting average and smashing 32 home runs with a 1.078 OPS. Though his impressive stats are never-ending, the lad celebrated his birthday by sharing a video on social media. Not far behind, his wife also showed her love for Betts’s astonishing achievement. 

Mookie Betts celebrates his 10th year at MLB in style

In the initial days with the Dodgers, the two-time World Series champion shared an Instagram video. Reflecting on his career with the Red Sox and Dodgers, the clip compiled everything he has achieved with the Dodgers and Red Sox.  Indeed, Mookie Betts has just completed 10 years of MLB in June 2024. Especially with the hand injury he suffered in June, he’s back on the field. 

The Ex-Red Sox player continues to shine for the Dodgers, hitting at .304 and an impressive .972 OPS in the 2024 season. Also, aside from Betts’s recent celebration video, his wife, Brianna Betts, showcased her love on social media. “Happy 10 Years In the Game my love!!!” was her post’s highlighted title, with Mookie Betts standing for the celebration. Also, a huge “Happy 10 Years Mookie” was stitched on the walls at the back end for her husband’s staggering milestone. She even mentioned a few qualities of Mookie Betts’s career, hinting at his calm, grounded nature alongside his adaptability, intelligence, and a few more. 

Indeed, with all the above-mentioned qualities, Betts excelled in the MLB league. He won multiple Silver Sluggers along with the Gold Glove awards. Also, Betts clinched the elusive World Series title two times. One was with the Boston Red Sox in 2018, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020. Aside from winning the World Series and other awards, there’s lots more perk waiting for him. 

Mookie Betts opens doors of crazy MLB perks for completing 10 years

Among the major perks, Mookie Betts has finally unlocked the ‘10-5’ rights. The MLB veteran has completed five years at the Dodgers and Boston Red Sox. He spent five years (2014 to 2019) with the Boston Red Sox. Followed by the Dodgers from 2020 to currently playing for the team. Since he has completed 10 years at MLB, he can veto any trade scenario. From now onwards, no other team has the power to trade him without his consent. Even if any club chooses to trade him, Betts can veto, and the trade will eventually get canceled. 

Browsing other perks, Betts will be a part of the Pension plan. For his entire life, he can withdraw a massive $68,000 annually until age 45. However, if he can wait until age 62, the annual payout will bump to $220,000.  Although plenty of players have completed 10 years at MLB, like Pirates legend Andrew McCutchen or Angels Mike Trout, the numbers have fallen. As per Baseball Prospectus, the figures of 10-year pension players fell by 40% between 2011 and 2018. 

Still, it’s an achievement for Mookie Betts, and he should be proud to have completed over a decade in MLB. More records to come for him as he will be at the All-Star 2024 game on July 16. Given a chance out of the reserves, Mookie Betts could show his potential on the big stage.