This Astros-Red Sox Trade for Mookie Betts Could Actually Work

The Boston Red Sox, who always have championship expectations, have a conundrum on their hands. Mookie Betts is unquestionably their best player, but he's a free agent after the 2020 season and it doesn't look like he'll sign an extension before then.

Trading him before the season is sensible, but moving your best player doesn't make it look like you're trying to win. So, they should try to straddle both lines and move Betts, while also getting a return that keeps them in the title hunt.

Instead of getting a bunch of unproven prospects, Boston should call up the Houston Astros and have a deal centered around George Springer, who is also a free agent following the 2020 season.

It would take another prospect or two to get it done, say right-hander Bryan Abreu and infielder Luis Santana, but the Red Sox can get a couple young pieces while also getting an outfielder like Springer that can help them stay competitive in 2020, while not losing Betts for nothing.

Oh, and Springer is probably cheaper and easier to bring back on a new deal than Betts.

If you're the Astros, parting with Springer would be a tough pill to swallow. We're talking about a former World Series MVP, after all. However, Betts is the superior and younger player, and the Astros probably won't let Kyle Tucker walk in exchange for what could potentially be just one year of Mookie.