The multi-talented Mookie Betts handled co-hosting duties alongside comedian Roy Wood Jr. at the MLB Awards in the past, but Wood is on the lookout for new talent in 2026. That’s, of course, because Betts had a minor wrist issue that saw him scratched for a game on July 1, and it’s an awful lot of wear on a wrist to hold a microphone while hosting an awards show.
Thus, Wood took to Philadelphia during All-Star Game activities this week to ask Dodgers/National League manager Dave Roberts who should be next in line to fill Betts’ place.
Roberts came up with a quick answer.
“I would love for you to get Shohei [Ohtani],” Roberts said. “I think he's wittier than people think. You get him out in front on the stage, I think that would be great.”
And just to make sure Roberts wasn’t playing favorites with his Dodgers, he threw a few other names into the ring, too.
“We're in Philly. I think [Bryce] Harper would be fantastic. I think [Mike] Trout would be great,” Roberts said. “My own Kiké Hernández would be hilarious. I think in Major League Baseball we’ve got some good choices, Roy.”
2026 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard
• Watch on FOX, Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET
• FAQ: Pitchers, starters, history & more
• Complete All-Star Game rosters
• Team-by-team breakdown of the All-Stars
Wood, however, wasn’t going to let the fun end there. “I just want to confirm that you're saying right now that Shohei Ohtani is a better entertainer than Mookie Betts, and how would that affect clubhouse chemistry?”
A laughing Roberts replied, “That's a fair question, and I did not say that. You said Mookie could not do it. I don't want any clubhouse strife.”
We’ll see who joins Wood later this year at the fourth annual MLB Awards, scheduled for November.