Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts has openly acknowledged the struggles he has faced during the current season, describing it as one he hopes to move past. Betts’ season got off to a rough start after missing the first two games due to a stomach virus and having to cut short the team’s trip to Japan, followed by a significant slump at the plate and personal hardships.

Despite these obstacles, Betts is determined to contribute in ways beyond his usual offensive production, reflecting a shift in focus as the season progresses.

Betts Reflects on Adapting His Role to Support the Team

After months of battling a career-low batting slump, Betts shared a candid assessment of his season:

“My season’s kind of over, so I’m going to have to chalk that up for not a great season, but I can help the boys win every night,”

he said.

“Do something, get an RBI, make a play — do something. I kind of have to shift my focus there. Obviously, everyone wants to have great seasons, but it’s a lot easier when you just don’t worry about the season. You just worry about the game to game. And so I think I’ll take this perspective for the rest of my career.”

—Mookie Betts

This new outlook comes after Betts’ initial hot start to the season, when he batted .316 with a .974 OPS through the first 10 games. However, his performance declined as he grappled with inconsistency, hitting just .231 with a .650 OPS afterward. His willingness to concentrate on daily contributions rather than season-long statistics marks a noticeable maturity in his approach.

Manager Dave Roberts Sees Growth in Betts’ Mindset

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has observed Betts’ evolving frame of mind and considers it an example of personal growth. Roberts explained:

“That’s a good way to look at it — getting small wins and playing to win each night, contributing versus trying to chase a season where you’re not kind of realizing your career numbers,”

he said.

“I think that is freeing, and that’s growth from him and maturity. But I do feel that’s the best way to kind of go about the last two months of the season.”

—Dave Roberts

This perspective highlights an emphasis on team impact and steady progress, which is especially important as the Dodgers aim to finish strong heading into the final stretch of the season.

Signs of Improvement Offer Hope for Betts’ Return to Form

Betts has recently shown positive signs of regaining his form, notably hitting his first home run since early July and recording his first three-hit game since June. These moments indicate the components of his former performance level remain intact, even as he navigates this difficult phase.

His current focus on contributing in tangible ways each game could be crucial in helping him break out of the slump and provide the leadership expected of a superstar during critical moments of the season.

Implications for Dodgers as Season Advances

While Betts’ admission that his season is “kind of over” underscores the challenges faced, his commitment to team success and daily effort suggests a determined mindset focused on recovery and contribution. As the Dodgers approach a season-defining stretch in October, Betts’ ability to perform in key situations may influence the team’s playoff push and overall outcomes.

With manager Roberts’ support and Betts’ growing maturity, the Dodgers are hopeful that their star outfielder will return to the level of production that has made him one of the most valuable players in baseball.