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5 reasons for Boston Red Sox fans to not freak out

By Joshua Sadlock

BOSTON, MA. - APRIL 15: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox strikes out during the fifth inning as Jesús Sucre of the Baltimore Orioles throws the ball during the MLB game at Fenway Park on April 15, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Matt Stone/Digital First Media/Boston Herald via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA. - APRIL 15: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox strikes out during the fifth inning as Jesús Sucre of the Baltimore Orioles throws the ball during the MLB game at Fenway Park on April 15, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Matt Stone/Digital First Media/Boston Herald via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA. – APRIL 15: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox strikes out during the fifth inning as Jesús Sucre of the Baltimore Orioles throws the ball during the MLB game at Fenway Park on April 15, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Matt Stone/Digital First Media/Boston Herald via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA. – APRIL 15: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox strikes out during the fifth inning as Jesús Sucre of the Baltimore Orioles throws the ball during the MLB game at Fenway Park on April 15, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Matt Stone/Digital First Media/Boston Herald via Getty Images) /

3. Mookie is a slow starter

Through the first 18 games of 2019, defending American League MVP Mookie Betts is hitting a pedestrian .212/.321/.394 with three home runs and seven RBI. Betts has not been hitting the ball with authority, and his average exit velocity is right in line with the MLB average. It has been a disappointing start for a player who hit .346/.438/.640 last year to lead all of baseball in batting average and slugging percentage.

Betts has historically been a slowish starter (though not to the extent of his struggles this year). He is a .272/.348/.479 hitter in the month of April for his career, which is his worst line of all months of the season. Betts is frustrated with his performance so far this year, but he can be patient and work through this slump.

The Red Sox have always been able to count on Betts to deliver when it matters most. He has been at his best down the stretch, and is a .307/.377/.500 hitter in the second half. His best career months have been August and September. Rest assured things will even out as this year goes on.

Mookie Betts has established himself in the conversation of top overall player in the league. Even the best go through slumps, especially at the start of the year when the weather can be worse. His slow start is magnified by the team’s overall struggles, but it will be totally forgotten after he heats up.

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