Career Timeline of Mookie Betts: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Mookie Betts made an impact.

Markus Lynn "Mookie" Betts is a highly decorated American professional baseball player currently with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Primarily an outfielder, he has also played shortstop and second base. An eight-time All-Star, he boasts seven Silver Slugger Awards, six Gold Glove Awards, and three World Series championships. Betts was named the American League's Most Valuable Player in 2018 during his time with the Boston Red Sox. His career achievements place him among the elite, holding the second highest Wins Above Replacement (WAR) among active position players, demonstrating his exceptional all-around contribution to the sport.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2010: High School Junior Year Achievements

In 2010, during his junior year at John Overton High School, Mookie Betts achieved a .548 batting average and 24 steals. In November of that year, he committed to the University of Tennessee on a baseball scholarship, choosing it over offers from Vanderbilt University, Mississippi State University, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

2011: Drafted by the Red Sox

In 2011, Mookie Betts was drafted by the Boston Red Sox, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.

2012: Played for Lowell Spinners

In 2012, Mookie Betts played 71 games for the Lowell Spinners, batting .267 and stealing 20 bases. He played shortstop regularly but appeared more comfortable at second base.

2013: Season with Greenville Drive

In 2013, Mookie Betts started the season with the Greenville Drive, where he batted .296 and had a 19-game hitting streak. He was also selected for the South Atlantic League All-Star Game.

2013: Promotion to Salem Red Sox

In 2013, Mookie Betts was promoted to the Salem Red Sox on July 9, where he batted .341 in 51 games. Overall, for the 2013 season, he had a combined .314 average, 15 home runs, and 38 steals across 127 games between Greenville and Salem, earning him the titles of Offensive Player of the Year and Breakout Player of the Year in the Boston minor league system.

May 2014: Played Outfield

Beginning in May 2014, Mookie Betts started playing in the outfield in addition to second base.

June 28, 2014: Promoted to Red Sox

On June 28, 2014, Mookie Betts was promoted to the Boston Red Sox. He was initially selected for the All-Star Futures Game but was replaced due to his promotion to the Major Leagues.

2014: Promotion to Pawtucket Red Sox

In 2014, Mookie Betts began the season with the Portland Sea Dogs and was later promoted to the Pawtucket Red Sox on June 3, where he achieved a .322 batting average and reached base in all 23 games with the team.

2014: First Career Grand Slam

In 2014, Mookie Betts hit his first career grand slam against Chris Archer of the Rays at Tropicana Field, making him the youngest Red Sox player to hit a grand slam in 49 years. Towards the end of the season, he also started playing second base regularly due to injuries to Dustin Pedroia and Brock Holt.

2014: MLB Debut

In 2014, Mookie Betts made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Boston Red Sox, playing both second base and outfield. He eventually became the team's center fielder in the same year.

April 6, 2015: Opening Day Home Run

On April 6, 2015, which was Opening Day for the Boston Red Sox, Mookie Betts hit a home run in his second at-bat, becoming the third-youngest player to hit a home run on Opening Day for the Red Sox.

April 13, 2015: Standout Performance at Fenway Park

On April 13, 2015, during the home opener at Fenway Park, Mookie Betts had a memorable performance that included robbing Bryce Harper of a home run, stealing two bases on one play, and hitting a home run into the Monster seats, all within the first three innings.

2016: Moved to Right Field

In 2016, Mookie Betts transitioned from center field to right field for the Boston Red Sox.

2016: All-Star Selection and Player of the Month

In 2016, Mookie Betts was selected to the MLB All-Star Game for the first time, starting in right field. He was also named the AL Player of the Month for July, and on September 20, he became the first player to reach 200 hits during the MLB season.

2016: AL East Division Title and Defensive Award

In 2016, the Red Sox clinched the AL East Division, but were swept in the ALDS. Mookie Betts was named Wilson Sporting Goods' Defensive Player of the Year and finished as the runner-up for the American League MVP Award.

July 2, 2017: Record-Tying RBI Game

On July 2, 2017, Mookie Betts tied an MLB record by recording eight RBIs from the leadoff slot in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays. He also received his second American League All-Star Game selection that same day and was named a starter due to Mike Trout's injury.

April 17, 2018: Comparison to Mike Trout and Three-Homer Game

On April 17, 2018, Mookie Betts was compared to Mike Trout in an article by Nick Cafardo. That night, Betts hit three home runs against Trout's Los Angeles Angels, tying Ted Williams for the most three-homer games in Red Sox history.

2018: Change in Batting Order

Before the 2019 season, manager Alex Cora stated he would use Andrew Benintendi as the team's leadoff hitter, with Betts batting second, swapping their positions from the team's usual 2018 batting order.

2018: Achieved Historic Season Feat

In 2018, Mookie Betts became the first player in MLB history to win the Most Valuable Player award, Silver Slugger award, Gold Glove award, batting title, and World Series in the same season, marking a historic achievement in his career.

2018: Accolades and World Series Victory

In 2018, Mookie Betts concluded the season as a major league leader in batting average, slugging percentage, and runs scored, contributing significantly to the Red Sox's World Series win. Betts was awarded his third consecutive Gold Glove, the Heart & Hustle Award, a Silver Slugger and was named the American League MVP on November 15, 2018.

2018: Dominant Season and Postseason Success

In 2018, Mookie Betts had a dominant season, leading the major leagues in multiple offensive categories and playing a crucial role in the Red Sox's World Series victory. He was named to the MLB All-Star Game, hit for the cycle, and stole his 30th base, joining the 30-30 club. At the end of the season, the Red Sox won the World Series.

2018: Named American League MVP

In 2018, Mookie Betts was named the Most Valuable Player in the American League, adding to his achievements as an eight-time All-Star, seven-time Silver Slugger Award winner, six-time Gold Glove Award recipient, and three-time World Series champion.

2019: All-Star Selection and Home Run Feat

In 2019, Mookie Betts experienced a season of adjustments, including a shift back to leadoff hitter after a change in the batting order. By the end of June, Betts had a .261 average with 13 home runs and 37 RBIs. On July 26, 2019, Betts achieved his fifth three-homer game, hitting a home run in each of his first three at bats.

2019: Defensive Prowess and Awards

Mookie Betts appeared in 150 games for the 2019 season, achieving a .295 batting average with a .915 OPS, 135 runs, 29 home runs, 80 RBIs, 40 doubles, and 16 stolen bases. On defense in 2019, he earned a 15 Defensive Runs Saved rating and had the best fielding percentage among major league right fielders (.997). After the 2019 season, Betts was awarded his fourth consecutive Gold Glove and his third Silver Slugger.

February 10, 2020: Trade to the Dodgers

On February 10, 2020, Mookie Betts, along with David Price and cash considerations, was traded from the Red Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Alex Verdugo, Connor Wong, and Jeter Downs.

August 27, 2020: Reaching 1,000 Career Hits

On August 27, 2020, Mookie Betts achieved a significant career milestone by reaching 1,000 MLB career hits.

2020: Salary Agreement

Before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Betts agreed to a $27 million salary for the 2020 season.

2020: World Series Win and Awards

In 2020, Mookie Betts had an impressive season, hitting .292/.366/.562 with 47 runs, 16 home runs, 39 RBIs, a .928 OPS, and 10 stolen bases. He contributed crucial defensive plays in the NLCS and homered in the World Series clincher, helping the Dodgers win the World Series. After the 2020 season, Betts was awarded his fifth consecutive Gold Glove and his fourth Silver Slugger.

2020: Traded to the Dodgers

In 2020, Mookie Betts was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He subsequently signed a 12-year, $365 million contract extension with the team, ensuring his presence through the 2032 season.

2020: World Series Win with Los Angeles Dodgers

In 2020, Mookie Betts won the World Series during his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, adding another championship to his achievements.

2021: All-Star Selection and Postseason Performance

In 2021, Mookie Betts was selected to the National League All-Star Team, his first appearance with the Dodgers, but he did not play due to injury. He played in 122 games for the Dodgers, with a .264 batting average, 23 home runs and 58 RBI.

August 2022: Film Preview Event

In August 2022, Mookie Betts participated in the production of a film focused on the life of Jackie Robinson titled, Jackie Robinson: Get to the Bag, was shown in a preview event at a New York museum.

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2022: All-Star Game Appearance and Career-High Home Runs

In 2022, Mookie Betts was selected as a starting outfielder for the National League All-Star Team, marking his sixth appearance at the MLB All-Star game held at Dodger Stadium. He played in 142 games for the Dodgers, batting .269 with a career-high 35 home runs and recording 82 RBIs.

August 7, 2023: Record-Tying Grand Slam

On August 7, 2023, Mookie Betts hit his fifth career grand slam home run as a lead-off batter, tying a Major League record.

2023: Versatility on the Field

In 2023, Mookie Betts showcased his versatility by playing significant time at second base and making his first career appearance as a shortstop due to injuries and underperformance among the Dodgers infielders.

2024: World Series Championship and Silver Slugger Award

In 2024, Mookie Betts played a crucial role in the Dodgers' World Series victory against the New York Yankees. After the 2024 season, Betts won his seventh Silver Slugger award.

2024: Position Changes and Injury

In 2024, Mookie Betts was initially slated to become the Dodgers' full-time second baseman. This plan shifted, and he became the starting shortstop until June 16, 2024, when a fastball fractured his left hand. He returned from the injured list on August 12, 2024, and transitioned to right field.

2024: 2024 World Series Win

Mookie Betts won the 2024 World Series as part of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2025: Exclusively Playing Shortstop

During the 2025 season, Mookie Betts played exclusively shortstop for the Dodgers. Although his defense was solid, his offense was slumping for most of the season.