Dave Roberts Names Baseball’s Most Underrated Superstar, Says He’s a Better Hitter Than Shohei Ohtani Right Now
When Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts speaks, the baseball world listens—especially when his words involve Shohei Ohtani, arguably the most electrifying talent Major League Baseball has seen in decades. But in a recent and somewhat surprising moment of candor, Roberts raised eyebrows by naming another player as a better hitter than Ohtani. While Ohtani continues to dazzle with his jaw-dropping power and dual-threat capability on the mound and at the plate, Roberts believes there’s a hitter currently producing at an even higher level. It’s a rare and bold comparison, and one that underscores the level of respect Roberts has for the player in question.
That player? Mookie Betts.
Yes, Roberts said it plainly: “Mookie Betts is the best hitter in baseball right now,” adding that his plate discipline, bat control, situational awareness, and consistency outpace even the most thrilling slugger in the game—Ohtani included. The comment has sparked debate, raised a few tempers, and led to a deep dive into just what makes Mookie Betts so exceptional in Roberts’ eyes.
Statistically speaking, it’s not an outlandish claim. Betts has been on an absolute tear in the 2025 season. Known primarily as a dynamic right fielder, Betts has also spent time at second base and shortstop this season, showcasing versatility that is almost unheard of at the highest level. But it’s his bat that’s forcing everyone to pay attention. Through mid-July, Betts is among the league leaders in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS. He doesn’t strike out much, walks frequently, and routinely delivers in clutch situations.
Roberts isn’t merely being a loyal manager or overly complimentary of his own player. This is a man who has seen countless Hall of Fame-level hitters up close and understands the intricacies of elite hitting. What Roberts admires most about Betts is how cerebral his approach at the plate is. While Ohtani may bring otherworldly raw power and show-stopping theatrics, Betts brings a calculated, clinical approach to every at-bat. He adjusts in real-time, rarely chases bad pitches, and can hit to all fields with ease.
“There’s just a maturity to Mookie’s at-bats that you don’t see often,” Roberts said. “Every pitch has a purpose. He doesn’t waste swings. He’s constantly reading the pitcher, understanding situations, and executing a plan.”
Of course, any conversation about “better hitter than Ohtani” requires some context. Shohei Ohtani, even in a “down year” by his standards, is still hitting moonshots and changing games with one swing. His slugging percentage ranks among the best in the league, and his home runs still make highlight reels on a nightly basis. But as good as he is, there is an argument to be made that his approach is more aggressive, more boom-or-bust than Betts’. Where Ohtani might swing for the fences on a 2-1 pitch, Betts might punch a single through the gap or draw a walk, keeping the inning alive.
This philosophical difference in hitting is part of what makes Roberts’ assessment so fascinating. He’s not saying Ohtani isn’t elite—far from it. He’s acknowledging that Betts might be more reliable in terms of pure hitting mechanics, execution, and approach. And that reliability is what sets him apart in a game increasingly dominated by velocity, spin rates, and analytics.
Another factor that supports Roberts’ view is the variety of ways Betts contributes offensively. While Ohtani’s value is rooted heavily in home runs and RBIs, Betts excels in nearly every offensive category. He leads off innings, sets the table, drives in runs, steals bases, and creates pressure on the defense. His ability to manufacture runs and extend innings often goes overlooked in a league that has become enamored with the long ball.
Roberts also pointed to Betts’ incredible consistency. Rarely does he go into extended slumps, and when he does, his “down periods” are still better than many players’ peak performances. His batting eye and contact skills make him a nightmare for pitchers, especially in high-leverage moments. Ohtani may intimidate with power, but Betts wears pitchers down with precision.
“Mookie is the guy you want at the plate when the game’s on the line,” Roberts added. “He’ll get you the hit you need, move the runner, or take the walk if that’s what’s best. He’s just smart baseball.”
Of course, the Ohtani vs. Betts debate isn’t about minimizing one to elevate the other. It’s a testament to how great both players are—and how unique Betts’ skillset truly is. There’s a poetry to Ohtani’s game, a mythology around his two-way prowess. But Betts, in his own quieter way, is just as impactful, if not more so in the current context of what the Dodgers need.
It also helps that Betts is a vocal leader in the clubhouse, a guy younger players watch and emulate. Ohtani leads more by example and through his production, but Betts has emerged as the heartbeat of the Dodgers. He’s vocal, he’s passionate, and he holds his teammates accountable. That kind of leadership doesn’t show up in the box score, but it does influence winning, which is always at the forefront of Roberts’ mind.
What’s also worth noting is how both Betts and Ohtani have handled the immense spotlight. In Los Angeles, scrutiny is constant, expectations are massive, and the margin for error is slim. Yet both players continue to thrive, showing grace under pressure. Roberts’ praise isn’t a knock on Ohtani. In fact, he’s quick to emphasize just how important both players are to the Dodgers’ title hopes this season.
Still, for those who have followed Betts’ career closely—from his early days in Boston to his MVP year and now to his current resurgence—it’s no surprise that a respected baseball mind like Roberts would elevate him in such fashion. Betts is fundamentally sound, relentlessly focused, and plays the game with an energy and intelligence that’s hard to replicate.
“You watch Mookie, and you’re seeing the closest thing to a complete hitter in baseball today,” Roberts said. “He’s the total package.”
And maybe that’s the real point behind the comment: in a league where flash often overshadows fundamentals, Betts is the standard-bearer for doing things the right way. Ohtani is a spectacle, an extraordinary talent who rightfully garners MVP buzz. But in the quieter corners of the dugout, among players and coaches who appreciate the grind and nuance of hitting, Mookie Betts might just be the guy they’d pick first.
That doesn’t mean Ohtani is suddenly overrated or any less impactful. It just means Betts is being rightfully acknowledged for the brilliance of his approach, the consistency of his execution, and the sheer impact of his presence in the Dodgers lineup. For Roberts, a former player himself who understands how hard the game is at the highest level, there’s something to be said for a guy who can make greatness look so effortless.
In the end, it’s not about stirring controversy or creating headlines—it’s about recognizing that the best hitter in baseball might not always be the loudest or the flashiest. Sometimes, he’s the guy quietly racking up hits, drawing walks, and leading his team to victory in every way imaginable. And right now, that guy is Mookie Betts.
So when Dave Roberts says Betts is a better hitter than Shohei Ohtani, it’s not a dismissal—it’s an acknowledgment of greatness in its most consistent and complete form. And in a sport where the smallest edge can mean everything, having a hitter like Betts may just be the Dodgers’ biggest advantage of all.
