Mookie Betts has range, as a shortstop and as MLB Awards host

LAS VEGAS -- No matter the venue or the uniform, Mookie Betts knows how to put on a show.

He traded in his Dodger blue for a velvet suit and bowtie and his eye black for tinted sunglasses, standing on a stage rather than in the infield dirt. And just as he always does, he performed, stepping into a new role as the co-host of Thursday night's 2025 MLB Awards presented by MGM Rewards at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan.

Betts seems to have a knack for picking up just about every sport he tries. Beyond his decorated career in baseball, he's also a skilled bowler and golfer, another way he occupied himself in a busy week in Las Vegas. His athletic ability carries through to his multisport talents, but it doesn't necessarily translate to the stage.

That's where another important quality kicks in.

"He's just a confident guy who can go play a sport, or he can go out on stage and host an event like this," teammate Will Smith said. "It's just confidence."

Betts brought his typical self-assuredness on the baseball diamond to his co-hosting gig alongside comedian Roy Wood Jr. in front of a live audience that included several current and former Major Leaguers. The two-hour event marked Betts' first foray into hosting an awards show, although he has plenty of experience speaking to the camera through his Bleacher Report podcast, On Base With Mookie Betts.

As with many things he does, Betts made it look easy, which he and Wood riffed on in the show's opening dialogue.

"You just smile and read," Betts said, proclaiming hosting to be a breeze.

"This ain't like going from right field to shortstop to second base back to shortstop," Wood replied. "That's easy."

Well, when you put it that way …

Just as Betts nailed his move from right field to shortstop this past season, he assumed his role as a co-host with ease. He and Wood had a natural banter, ad-libbing and responding without missing a beat when the moment called for it. All ballplayers are in the entertainment business by definition, but Betts takes it one step further by being an entertainer.

Having taken home plenty of hardware in his playing career, Betts now knows what it's like to hand it out to his peers.

The All-MLB First Team and Second Team were announced during the show, with select players -- among them Cal Raleigh, Juan Soto and Tarik Skubal -- in attendance to be recognized in person.

Edwin Díaz and Aroldis Chapman were on hand to accept the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year and the Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year Awards, respectively.

Jacob deGrom was named AL Comeback Player of the Year, and Ronald Acuña Jr. was there to accept his NL Comeback Player of the Year honor. Acuña later escorted Billye Aaron -- the widow of Henry Aaron -- to the stage for the presentation of her husband's namesake Hank Aaron Awards, getting a standing ovation from the theater. The awards went to Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, who were named the MVPs of their respective leagues earlier in the day.

Ohtani received plenty of recognition throughout the night, also being named to the All-MLB First Team as the DH in addition to taking home his fifth consecutive Edgar Martínez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award. Betts accepted the latter on behalf of Ohtani, quipping, "I wonder if he gets tired of winning these things."

The Brewers' Matt Arnold repeated as Executive of the Year presented by Sage. Denzel Clarke received the Capital One Premier Play of the Year Award for his insane home run robbery against the Angels. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was crowned Entertainer of the Year as one of the most electric players in the game.

The top players in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League were recognized for their award-winning seasons as well: Rookie of the Year Ana Gold, Defensive Player of the Year Hannah Flippen, Pitcher of the Year Georgina Corrick and MVP Erin Coffel.

While this year's awards were the focus of the evening, there was also a look ahead to next year's glory. With the 2026 World Baseball Classic on the horizon, Raleigh joined Team USA manager Mark DeRosa on stage to invite Corbin Carroll and Pete Crow-Armstrong to represent their country.

And with the show winding down, Betts couldn't help but think ahead as well, playfully informing Wood that he's ready to make the next MLB Awards a one-man show.

Whether or not that's what the future has in store, Betts showed that his range goes beyond what he does on the diamond. As one of baseball's biggest stars, he made a big night that much more special.