Why Red Sox, Dodgers Careers Changed Personality For Mookie Betts

Mookie Betts did it all for the Boston Red Sox during his elite play on the field.

That still wasn’t the best version of himself as his production continued while his personality popped since his trade and cemented legacy with the Los Angeles Dodgers over the last five seasons.

Betts had a season to remember in 2018 when he earned American League MVP honors along with a World Series title, a Silver Slugger nod and a Gold Glove. That season could’ve solidified his career, but it was both his masterpiece with the Red Sox and only a preview of prolonged production.

“I remember when I was coming up in Boston, I was the quiet kid,” Betts told Jared Carrabis on the “Baseball Is Dead” podcast. “Very confident in myself but didn’t want to show confidence because that wasn’t being humble. You don’t want to be cocky. That’s not me. That’s never been me. Never will it be me. Also as I’ve gotten older, there is a balance of confidence which brings yourself up.”

Betts, now with three championship rings and his own podcast, still holds plenty of gratitude for his Red Sox upbringing that laid the groundwork for his on-field abilities and talent, which allowed for enticing business opportunities for himself.

“In Boston, I was in a different place in life,” Betts reflected. “I didn’t have kids. I was this young kid coming up. I had Big Papi (David Ortiz), (Dustin) Pedroia, Mike Napoli, Jonny Gomes. Name all the guys that had been there and done that. That was kind of the way of Boston. You keep your head down, you stay focused and you keep your head down. I’m very, very, very, very thankful for that because that taught me to work.”

Betts just keeps playing like an All-Star for the Dodgers, regardless of what position Dave Roberts puts him at, and properly balances the media and business opportunities that come with a player of his caliber.

“You have to set up the next part of life,” Betts added. “You can’t wait until the end to do it. If somebody is already doing it, it’s too late.”

Betts and the Dodgers, who spent even more money this winter, look to go back-to-back in 2025.