Mookie Betts is one of the biggest stars in the game today and is set to spend the next decade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. And while much of the attention is focused on his work at the plate, Betts is also an elite outfielder.
He proved this once again Thursday afternoon in Pittsburgh. The Pirates had a runner on third with no outs in the bottom of the second. A ball was hit to Betts, who first made a nice running grab. What happened next is what made this a must-see play.
WOW, @mookiebetts. pic.twitter.com/aBCk6YB9Aj
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 10, 2021
Mookie Betts turns unbelievable double play
That play sums up the Pirates’ season in a nutshell. What could have been an easy sacrifice fly instead turned into Betts gunning down the runner at home after making a full 360-degree spin.
The level of difficulty here is just insane and proves why Betts is a perennial MVP candidate. It is not just the fact he has won four Silver Slugger Awards, because at the same time he owns five Gold Gloves.
This play came just one inning after Betts got the Dodgers on the board first with a leadoff home run.
Right down the middle? Mookie will make you pay. pic.twitter.com/vRTIWI8zbl
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 10, 2021
This is just unfair and the brave Pirates fans in attendance hopefully went just to have a fun time.
Betts finished second in National League MVP voting last season and is already up beyond the 2.0 WAR mark in 2021. Continuing to save runs on defense is only going to boost that value as the season rolls along.