Mookie Betts Debugs Bat Speed Concerns Amid Strong Performance

Los Angeles, CA — Mookie Betts, an eight-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion, recently expressed concerns about his bat speed as he prepares for the upcoming MLB season. Despite being ranked highly by various sports networks, Betts acknowledges the pressure he puts on himself and the challenges brought on by a recent illness.

In April, Betts ranked third among all players in ESPN‘s list of top position players, but his performance dipped significantly, batting just .176 over a recent 13-game stretch. He attributed this slump to unhealthy batting habits he developed after recovering from an illness that caused him to lose 20 pounds.

“I have a baseline of numbers as far as bat speed that I try and hit throughout the day. I could not get the bat to those numbers,” Betts said in a recent interview. He explained that with his bat speed already below average, the weight loss further impacted his performance.

At nearly 33 years old, Betts is aware that bat speed tends to decline with age. Still, he has shown resilience, recently batting .324 with an .817 OPS over his last 10 games. He remains confident that his bat speed does not define him as a hitter.

Betts has been proactive in addressing his bat speed concerns. After consulting with experts at Driveline Baseball in 2022, he began using a modified metal bat during practice to enhance his swing mechanics. His efforts have paid off, reflected in an impressive .987 OPS last season, the second-highest of his career.

Although Betts’ average bat speed was measured at 71.3 mph last season, it declined to 67.4 mph this season as of late April. He remains determined to regain his previous form but is aware of the comparisons drawn between his current stats and similar historical players known for making contact but lacking power.

Despite the challenges, Betts remains 22 percent above league average in OPS+. He has regained the weight he lost and improved his strikeout rate to a career-best level, indicating potential for further improvement as the season progresses.

With plenty of time left in the season, Betts remains focused on becoming a top performer once again, showcasing that while bat speed is vital, it is not the only metric that defines a successful hitter.