Mookie to Papi: I thought I'd be with Red Sox 'for life'

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one win away from winning their first World Series since 1988, and All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts has played a key role in his first year on the roster.

It's not a position Betts always envisioned, however, as he told former teammate David Ortiz that he never anticipated playing for a team other than the Boston Red Sox.

"I had initially thought that I was gonna be a Red Sock for life," Betts said. "But, you know what, God always has a plan for things, and I'm just kind of following what he tells me to do."

Betts won his only World Series so far in 2018 with the Red Sox and was named AL MVP that same year. He was traded to the Dodgers alongside left-hander David Price last offseason and subsequently signed a 12-year, $365-million extension.

He now looks at the trade in practical terms. The Dodgers sought him out to make an already great roster that much better.

"Winning your first one is like the best thing ever," he said. "The trade happened, (and) the reason for bringing me here was to help put us over the edge. And if I'm able to help do that, it's like I conquered my goals. ... I feel amazing about bringing a ring back to L.A."

Betts has come as advertised. After slashing .292/.366/.562 with 16 home runs in 55 regular-season games, he's hit .284 and played superlative defense throughout the postseason.