Mookie Betts claims to be the Dodgers’ finest athlete, outperforming Ohtani in terms of skill.

Mookie Betts has never shied away from competition. As a two-time World Series champion, six-time Gold Glove winner, and one of baseball’s most electrifying talents, Betts has proven time and again that he belongs among the sport’s elite. But his recent claim that he is the best athlete on the Los Angeles Dodgers—even surpassing Shohei Ohtani—has raised eyebrows among fans, analysts, and even teammates.

Ohtani, widely regarded as a generational talent, has transformed the way baseball is played. As both an elite hitter and an All-Star-level pitcher, his two-way ability is unparalleled in modern baseball. The very notion that Betts could outshine Ohtani athletically is a debate worth exploring. So, does Betts’ claim hold weight? Let’s break it down.

Defining Athleticism in Baseball

Athleticism in baseball is multidimensional. While speed, strength, and agility are critical, so too are reflexes, coordination, and versatility. Comparing Betts and Ohtani requires analyzing their respective strengths in various facets of the game, including fielding, hitting, running, and overall versatility.

Fielding Excellence

Betts is widely considered one of the best defensive players in Major League Baseball. His six Gold Glove awards are a testament to his exceptional ability in the outfield. He has consistently ranked among the top in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR), two key defensive metrics that illustrate his range and reliability. His arm strength, accuracy, and ability to make highlight-reel catches make him an irreplaceable asset in the field.

Ohtani, in contrast, does not contribute defensively. As a designated hitter (DH) and pitcher, he does not field regularly, which naturally limits his ability to impact the game with his glove. While his pitching mechanics and reflexes demonstrate impressive athleticism, they do not compare directly to the defensive prowess that Betts displays on a daily basis.

Offensive Performance

On the offensive side, both players bring elite skill sets, but in different ways. Ohtani has consistently been among the league leaders in home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage. His raw power is almost unmatched, and his ability to drive the ball to all fields makes him one of the most feared hitters in baseball. His 2021 MVP campaign, where he hit 46 home runs while also pitching to a 3.18 ERA, was historic and solidified his place as an offensive juggernaut.

Betts, while not as powerful as Ohtani, is an exceptional contact hitter with a high on-base percentage and elite baserunning skills. He consistently ranks among the top players in WAR (Wins Above Replacement), a statistic that measures overall contribution to a team’s success. Betts’ ability to get on base, steal bases, and hit for both power and average makes him one of the most well-rounded hitters in the game. His offensive skill set, while different from Ohtani’s, is just as valuable to his team’s success.

Speed and Baserunning

Speed is one of the clearest indicators of athletic ability, and in this category, Betts has a definitive edge. Throughout his career, Betts has been among the league leaders in sprint speed and stolen bases. His quick first step and high baseball IQ allow him to take extra bases and steal with efficiency.

Ohtani, despite being one of the largest players in baseball, is also deceptively fast. He has been clocked as one of the fastest home-to-first runners in the league, and his long strides allow him to cover ground quickly. However, Betts’ agility and acceleration give him the edge when it comes to overall speed and baserunning ability.

Versatility and Adaptability

Another key component of athleticism is versatility. Betts has demonstrated his ability to excel at multiple positions, including right field, center field, and even second base. His ability to transition seamlessly between positions shows not just his physical ability, but also his mental adaptability—something that few players can achieve at an elite level.

Ohtani’s versatility is unique in its own right. The fact that he can dominate as both a hitter and a pitcher is something that hasn’t been seen since Babe Ruth. However, his role is more specialized compared to Betts, who contributes in multiple ways on the field.

Endurance and Durability

Playing 162 games in a season is no small feat, and durability is a crucial aspect of athleticism. Betts has been relatively durable throughout his career, though he has dealt with some injuries, particularly in recent seasons.

Ohtani’s workload as a two-way player is demanding. His ability to pitch every five days while also serving as one of the league’s top hitters is a testament to his physical endurance. However, injuries have plagued him, and maintaining peak performance in both roles is an immense challenge. His past Tommy John surgery and occasional pitching injuries do raise questions about his long-term sustainability.

The Verdict: Who is the Dodgers’ Best Athlete?

The debate between Betts and Ohtani boils down to how one defines athleticism. If we’re talking about pure versatility, defensive ability, and baserunning, Betts has a compelling case. His ability to excel in multiple positions, his defensive mastery, and his speed make him a complete athlete.

However, if athleticism is measured by overall impact and uniqueness, Ohtani’s ability to dominate as both a pitcher and a hitter is unparalleled. No other player in MLB can do what he does at such a high level, making his skill set one of the most valuable in all of sports.

Ultimately, Betts’ claim of being the Dodgers’ best athlete isn’t without merit. His well-rounded skill set makes him one of the most complete players in baseball. But in terms of overall impact and historical significance, Ohtani’s two-way excellence makes him arguably the most extraordinary athlete not just on the Dodgers, but in all of Major League Baseball.

What’s undeniable is that the Dodgers are lucky to have both of these phenomenal athletes, each bringing their own brand of excellence to the team. Whether it’s Betts making diving catches in the outfield or Ohtani launching 450-foot home runs and striking out elite hitters, the debate between the two only adds to the excitement of watching them play.

Regardless of who holds the title of the best athlete, one thing is certain: Dodgers fans are in for a thrilling season.