3 Mookie Betts Trades That Could Actually Help Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have a lot of predicaments to address this offseason, and the most significant of those is the future of Mookie Betts, who is slated to become a free agent after 2020, and hasn't shown any interest in tying himself down beforehand.

The organization could opt to shed payroll elsewhere, but that dream took a dire hit on Monday when it was announced that JD Martinez would not be opting out of his contract with the club.

There have been murmurs that Betts might not even want to play with the Red Sox beyond 2020, which means they might be better off just trading the former MVP and maximizing his value (as best they can). With that in mind, let's take a look at a few potential deals that could actually (don't laugh) benefit Boston.

3. Trade to Reds for Jesse Winker, Tony Santillian, and Nick Lodolo

The Reds intend to compete in 2020, and acquiring Betts would be a tremendous message to fans that that objective is genuine. Cincy could package a top pairing of prospects around outfielder Jesse Winker, who is 26 years old and controllable through the 2023 season. He batted .269 with 16 homers, a .357 OBP, and an .830 OPS in 113 games for the Reds in 2019. Couple that production with No.56 overall prospect (per MLB.com) in left-hander Nick Lodolo, as well as 22-year-old flamethrower Tony Santillian (Cincy's No. 4), and you could have deal, folks.

2. Trade to Braves for Ian Anderson, Drew Waters and Ender Inciarte

This is a similar deal to the Dodgers trade below, because we sincerely believe that general manager Chaim Bloom's first objective is to build a youthful rotation that flaunts potential. Ian Anderson is MLB.com's No.31 overall prospect, and it's clear that he's ready for the big time, as he fanned 172 batters in just 135.2 across the minor league ranks in 2019. Inciarte, on the other hand, is a former All-Star and one of the best defensive outfielders in the game. Not to mention, he comes on the cheap -- he is owed $7.7 million and $8.7 million the next two years. The Red Sox could demand another player in return if they feel that's not an ample return; Drew Waters is Atlanta's version of Jarren Duran. The 20-year-old center fielder just keeps hitting.

1. Trade to Dodgers for Joc Pederson, Dustin May, and Dennis Santana

Joc Pederson is a fan favorite in La La Land, and for good reason, but you can't tell us that Dodgers fans wouldn't be drooling at the thought of partnering Betts with Cody Bellinger in the outfield. The Red Sox NEED another left-handed bat and they are desperate for young (and cheap) pitchers. Dustin May (22) and Dennis Santana (23) fill that bill and are two of LA's top five pitching prospects. Who says no?