Mookie Betts is using a hot streak heading into the All-Star break hitting .457 with 6 dwelling runs and a 1.200 OPS in his final 10 video games. He’s additionally hitting almost .300 with an OPS north of 1.000 for the reason that begin of Might. And he’s additionally set to take part in his first Residence Run Derby tonight in Seattle.
The query is, ought to he be?
The Residence Run Derby has a historical past of upending stellar seasons for MLB stars. At the least, to a point. By the numbers, the full majority of gamers who’ve taken half within the derby have traditionally had worse second halves of the season.
SABR.org did the heavy lifting on the stats.
Comparability 1.1: Pre-Derby to Publish-Derby, for Seasons The place Participant Did Take part
| PRE-DERBY | POST DERBY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPS | HR % | OPS | HR % | |
| .969 | 6.061 | .926 | 5.346 |
Decrease OPS. Lowered dwelling run price.
Betts is within the midst of his most constant streak on the plate since becoming a member of the Dodgers in 2020. Supervisor Dave Roberts stated on Saturday that that is “most likely the most effective model” of Mookie he’s seen in his three-plus seasons since being traded from the Pink Sox. Betts himself advised SportsNet LA reporter Kirsten Watson this week that, in so many phrases, he’s holding his sport swing going amid his sizzling streak, inferring that he’ll be altering issues in his strategy for the Derby.
The truth that Betts is taking part within the occasion is enjoyable, it’s cool, however it’s not crucial factor on this planet. For the Dodgers, the purpose is a World Sequence championship. And to get to the promised land, as old friend Kiké Hernandez referred to it, this membership totally wants the most effective, most locked in model of Mookie Betts that they’ll get.
So, ought to he be taking part?
Positive. Why not? The info collected by SABR doesn’t dive into the variations in seasons the place Derby members made it deeper into the competitors. However, taking a look at one latest Dodger who made it far into the occasion, Joc Pederson, his numbers truly improved throughout the board after the Derby.
Pre-Derby: 82 G, 20 HR, .239/.333/.521 slash line
Publish-Derby: 67 G, 16 HR, .262/.346/.560 slash line
By the way in which, in case you forgot about that epic showdown between Joc and Vladimir Guerrero Jr, it’s price a re-watch.
Mookie Betts isn’t anticipated to final very lengthy within the Derby — notably with him dealing with 2019 runner up and all-time single spherical homer report holder (40) Vlad Jr within the first spherical. Even Mookie doesn’t have all that a lot religion in his possibilities. So what does it damage to exit, have enjoyable, and add one other baseball bucket record merchandise to his ledger?
“It’s the most effective I’ve felt in a very long time… I’m simply gonna trip the wave and see what occurs.” Mookie Betts speaks with @kirsten_watson about his large sport tonight. pic.twitter.com/YoGjSk6IED
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) July 8, 2023
The Residence Run Derby begins at 5 PM PT on ESPN.
