Mookie Betts Incorporating Stolen Bases Back Into His Game

Mookie Betts has evolved as a player since coming over to the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to the 2020 season, both on offense and defense.

He posted his highest four-year split in terms of slugging percentage from his first season as a Dodgers through the 2023 season. Betts grew as a power hitter during that time, loading his stat line with extra base hits, which boosted scoring opportunities.

This year, Betts is tapping into his ability to steal bases. With eight stolen bags heading into play on May 3, the 31-year-old ranks within the top-15 among big league players.

Betts has yet to be thrown out when attempting a stolen base, and his keen eye to make the most of each opportunity is valuable at the top of the lineup.

He explained that there isn’t much of a performance reason why he hasn’t attempted my in recent years, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:

“Just trying to be the best Mookie Betts I can be,” Betts said. “That’s pretty much it. I’m just trying to be the best player I can be. I used to do it. Just … just stopped. I don’t know why. Just stopped, and now I’m back on it.”

The Dodgers are seeing a version of Betts that is allowing them to use their star power depth at the top of the order. His power bat, coupled with his incredibly disciplined eye, is making for a great start to the year.

His again, reinvented, part of his game is paying early dividends for himself, and the rest of the lineup:

“I just wasn’t running, thinking about staying healthy,” Betts said. “Hell, I don’t know. … I’m a new person.”

Allowing himself to be freed up on the bases should continue, and with a walk rate of 17.2%, Betts’ odds of reaching first base are as high as ever. The Dodgers would be wise to continue keeping the green light on for when he’s in a steal situation.

His .377 on-base percentage leads Major League Baseball, as does his 1.67 win probability added.

Who else is close to Mookie Betts in stat leaderboards?

Prior to facing the Arizona Diamondbacks in their series finale, the Dodgers have the league leader in wRC+ at 211. Betts stands over Juan Soto of the New York Yankees (191), Houston Astros infielder Jose Altuve (189), and Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (188).

Betts is just ahead of Baltimore Orioles star infielder Gunnar Henderson in fWAR at 2.8, with Henderson slotting in at 2.2.

Behind just Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Green and Soto, Betts is third in baseball in walk rate.