Mookie Betts Skips MLB Awards Hosting Due to Wrist Injury
Mookie Betts will not co-host the 2026 MLB Awards after a minor wrist injury sidelined him from a July 1 game. The Dodgers star, who previously shared hosting duties with comedian Roy Wood Jr., faces questions about his availability for future events.
During All-Star Game activities in Philadelphia, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested Shohei Ohtani as a potential replacement. Roberts praised Ohtani’s wit, calling him 'wittier than people think.' He also floated Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, and Kiké Hernández as possible hosts.
Betts’ wrist issue raises concerns about his workload, especially after missing a game on July 1. While the injury is minor, it highlights the physical demands of hosting alongside playing. Roberts joked about avoiding 'clubhouse strife' when comparing Ohtani’s entertainment value to Betts’.
The fourth annual MLB Awards, scheduled for November, will feature a new co-host alongside Wood. Roberts’ playful pitch for Ohtani adds intrigue, but the final decision remains uncertain. Betts’ absence opens the door for another star to step into the spotlight.
The 2026 All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard, airs on FOX at 8 p.m. ET on July 15.