Mookie Betts is entering his 13th season in the Majors, which will officially give him more seasons played with the Los Angeles Dodgers than the Boston Red Sox.
While playing baseball is his job, Betts also enjoys observing other teams and players around the league as a fan of the game. He is likely a favorite to watch for many, but it takes impressive talent to catch the eye of a former MVP.
During an appearance on “ALL THE SMOKE” with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson last year, Betts shared some of his favorite players in MLB to keep tabs on:
“I really enjoy watching Corbin Carroll in Arizona. There’s so many people I love watching. Acuña, which I think everybody really knows about Acuña. Corey Seager in Texas. That’s one of my good buddies and I loved seeing him win two (World Series) MVPs. Really, the whole pitching staff in Seattle. The whole pitching staff in Seattle is ridiculous. Castillo and all of them there are ridiculous, so those games are always fun to watch. And then really as quiet as it’s kept, I enjoy watching Red Sox games because of Cora. I love Alex Cora.”
Corbin Carroll is one of the best young outfielders in the Majors and is an integral part of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ core. He bounced back from a disappointing 2024 season to receive the second All-Star nod of his young career.
A former All-Star outfielder himself, it’s no surprise that Betts enjoys watching Carroll play the game. The Dodgers outfielder has even invited Carroll on his “On Base” podcast.
The young outfielder was supposed to play for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, but injured his hand and will miss the tournament.
Betts was teammates with Corey Seager for two seasons before the latter signed with the Texas Rangers in free agency. The 2020 postseason gave Betts an up-close look and probably a deep appreciation for what Seager can do with the bat in his hands and the caliber of player he is.
Dodgers expect Mookie Betts to rebound
Betts has been one of the Dodgers’ most important offensive pieces since joining the organization in 2020, but did not have the same level of production in 2025. The right-hander slashed .258/.326/.406 with 20 home runs and 82 RBI. His resulting 104 wRC+ was the lowest of his career and the worst mark of his Dodgers tenure.
Despite this, Betts was still a valuable contributor last season because of his Gold Glove-caliber defense at shortstop.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is anticipating a return to form at the plate for Betts in 2026, more in line with his career 136 wRC+.
“Well, I think that last year started off certainly different with we were in Tokyo and how he was feeling, and the weight loss and all that stuff,” Roberts said. “I think he had a great offseason. He’s in a good headspace, the body’s good.
“And I think for me, it’s just getting back to being who he is. And I just think that last year was an outlier offensive season, and I’m not too concerned about Mookie at all.”
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