Have you heard about MLB players Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani? Donald Trump thinks they’re pretty impressive. Amid a declining stock market and economic crisis fears due to Trump’s tariffs, the President sought distraction in sports on Monday afternoon. As he welcomed the Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House to celebrate their 2024 World Series title, Trump showcased his sports acumen by praising Betts and Ohtani.
“Mookie Betts, oh is he good,” Trump remarked during the ceremony. “That guy can play, can’t he? I mean, unbelievable…I don’t want to say I watched him on Boston, but I did. I didn’t think that was a particularly good trade when they made it, and I happened to be right.”
“Mookie. That guy can play, can’t he? I mean, unbelievable. I don’t want to say I watched him on Boston, but I did. I didn’t think that was a particularly good trade when they made it, and I happened to be right.” – Donald Trump knew pic.twitter.com/0XCmuBzMCg
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 7, 2025
Trump had the foresight to know that trading a 26-year-old Betts to the Dodgers, just one season after winning the MVP and leading Boston to a World Series, was a poor move for the Red Sox. Surely every Red Sox fan, analyst, media member, and sports radio host wanted Boston to trade Betts. If only they had consulted Trump first. But he didn’t stop there; he had more baseball insight to share.
“Shohei Ohtani,” Trump announced before shaking the three-time MVP’s hand. “Looks like a movie star. He’s got a good future, I’m telling you.”
Donald Trump says Shohei Ohtani “has got a good future” pic.twitter.com/yezaQOB7qB
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 7, 2025
Ohtani holds three MVPs, achieved the first 50-50 season in MLB history, secured a $700 million contract, won a World Series ring, and is returning to pitching this year. Trump certainly didn’t take a risk by stating he has a “good future.” However, it’s reminiscent of how Tesla’s stock seemed unstoppable before Trump took office.
Regardless of being labeled as Captain Obvious, sports media has had some pretty questionable takes on Ohtani in the past. Remember Mike Francesa claiming the New York Yankees were “lucky” to miss out on Ohtani? Or Stephen A. Smith insisting Ohtani can’t be the face of baseball because he uses a translator?
Just wait until the Philadelphia Eagles visit the White House; Trump will undoubtedly be among the million people to rib the New York Giants for letting Saquon Barkley go.
