Mookie Betts Says He Did 'Absolutely Nothing' in Dodgers' NLDS Loss to Diamondbacks

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar outfielder and second baseman Mookie Betts shouldered the blame for L.A. shockingly getting swept out of the National League Division Series by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media after the game, a disappointed Betts lamented that he didn't do enough to help his team win the series:

"It's obviously super frustrating," Betts said. "There is no real words for it. They played better. We didn't do much—I can't speak for all of us—but I know for sure I did absolutely nothing to help us win."

After playing MVP-caliber baseball throughout the 2023 regular season, Betts went 0-for-11 with one walk and one run scored during the NLDS.

That played a significant role in the NL West rival Diamondbacks securing a three-game sweep, punctuated by a 4-2 home win in Game 3 on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old Betts has long been one of the best players in baseball, earning seven All-Star selections, six Gold Glove awards, five Silver Slugger awards, two World Series wins, one batting title and an American League MVP award during his 10-year MLB career with the Boston Red Sox and Dodgers.

This season was arguably the best of his career, as Betts slashed .307/.408/.579 with a career-high 39 home runs, plus 107 RBI, 126 runs scored and 14 stolen bases.

Betts also led the NL in wins above replacement (WAR) at 8.4. He was second in MLB behind only Los Angeles Angels slugger and ace pitcher Shohei Ohtani, who posted a 10.1 WAR.

If not for Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. hitting .337 and becoming the first player in MLB history to hit at least 40 home runs and steal at least 70 bases in a season, Betts would be the runaway choice for NL MVP.

With Betts and first baseman Freddie Freeman leading the way, the Dodgers had the third-best record in MLB this season at 100-62, and they won their 10th NL West title in the past 11 seasons.

Like Betts, Freeman was a superstar during the regular season, slashing .331/.410/.567 with 29 homers, 102 RBI, 131 runs scored and 23 steals.

The seven-time All-Star, one-time NL MVP and one-time World Series champ also wilted in the NLDS, going 1-for-10 with one run scored.

Getting one combined hit over three games from two of the best players in baseball is not a recipe for success. The Dodgers found that out the hard way against the D-backs.

Despite having reached the playoffs in 11 straight seasons, the Dodgers have only one World Series title to show for it, and they have been upset in the NLDS each of the past two seasons.

The Dodgers have top-notch talent and the means needed to make a splash in free agency or the trade market, so they should continue to be contenders next season and beyond.

However, every time the Dodgers fall short, it feels like a missed opportunity to establish themselves as a dynasty given the incredible roster they have amassed.