LAS VEGAS — The spotlight belonged to the Los Angeles Dodgers on one of baseball’s biggest nights as Mookie Betts stepped onto the stage Thursday to co-host the MLB Awards at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan. The All-Star infielder traded his glove for a microphone and helped guide a show that not only celebrated the sport’s top performers but showcased just how dominant the Dodgers have become across the league.
Betts’ hosting role marked a milestone in his already decorated career, signaling his growing influence both on and off the field. Known for his poise, calm leadership and charisma, Betts transitioned smoothly into the spotlight, earning laughs, applause and praise throughout the evening.
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But the Dodgers didn’t just help run the event — they owned it.
Shohei Ohtani continued to collect accolades in his first full season with the Dodgers, earning the Hank Aaron Award as the National League’s best offensive performer. He also took home the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award, marking yet another season in which he stood alone as the most dangerous designated hitter in baseball. Ohtani’s production also earned him a spot on the All-MLB First Team, further cementing his place among the sport’s elite.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto lived up to every bit of his hype this season winning the World Series MVP The right-handed ace was voted to the All-MLB First Team as one of the league’s premier starting pitchers, an achievement that underscores how quickly he settled into Major League dominance after arriving from Japan.
Behind the plate, Will Smith earned second-team All-MLB honors at catcher, recognition of his consistency, leadership and impact — both offensively and defensively — for a Dodgers team built on depth, balance and power.
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For Los Angeles, the night was more than a celebration — it was a preview of what the franchise expects its future to look like. The Dodgers weren’t just represented; they were headliners, winners and hosts. From Betts commanding the stage to Ohtani, Yamamoto and Smith stacking honors, the storyline was clear: the Dodgers remain one of the most star-driven and accomplished organizations in baseball.
