Mookie Betts reveals lone problem with joining Dodgers: 'The only thing that really sucks is taxes'

Mookie Betts has been sensational in his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, helping improve an already loaded offense by hitting .295 with 16 homers and 39 RBI. With the Dodgers looking primed to make yet another deep postseason run, it's hard to imagine Betts would have any issues with being in Los Angeles. 

But the right fielder admitted he does have one complaint, though it has less to do with the team and more to do with the location, specifically the financial implications of living in California.

"The only thing that really sucks is taxes," Betts admitted on the Ringer's R2C2 Podcast. "That’s really it."

Betts' complaint is understandable, given that California has the highest "jock tax" rate in the country at 13%. Still, it's hard to feel too sorry for Betts, considering the 12-year, $365 million contract he signed in July. 

Betts also discussed the fact that there was one other team he considered before joining the Dodgers: the San Diego Padres, who are set to make their first postseason appearance since 2006.

"It went down to San Diego and [Los Angeles],” Betts said.

At least Betts can take some comfort in knowing that even if he had chosen the Padres over the Dodgers, he would still be facing the same massive tax rate. 

Before heading to Southern California, Betts spent his first six seasons in Boston and quickly established himself as one of the best young talents in baseball, winning the AL MVP in 2018 while hitting .346 with 32 home runs and 80 RBI.