Dodgers-Red Sox Mookie Betts Trade Reportedly Growing More Likely as Francisco Lindor Chase Cools
By Adam Weinrib
If the Cleveland Indians really are going to accept a rebuild, they'll have to deal Francisco Lindor at some point, whether it be for fair value or not.
Per recent reports, though, it seems as if they'll be shirking away from the Dodgers, clearing a path for the Boston Red Sox to sneak in and form a blockbuster instead.
While the Tribe is apparently insistent on pulling top prospect Gavin Lux in exchange for Lindor, the Sox have been more reasonable thus far, making a Mookie Betts-to-Hollywood trade more likely than a Lindor move. And talks are still ongoing.
Sources: #Dodgers discussing Mookie Betts with the #RedSox at least as much as they are Francisco Lindor with the #Indians. Boston could combine Betts and Price in a deal that nets the Red Sox a prospect and salary relief. Story: https://t.co/j9mLE3LOX6 @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 2, 2020
Price could be the linchpin here. This wouldn't be the first time the Dodgers have bailed Boston out of a large contract (the vaunted Beckett/A-Gon/Crawford deal of '11), but it would be the first time they truly benefited -- even for a year. Betts is the most impactful position player addition possible, and they can easily stomach a Price addition (and could use the valuable arm).
The #Dodgers can afford David Price -- and just about anyone else on a long-term deal. They rank 24th among #MLB teams in payroll commitments for 2022 at $28.125 million, according to Spotrac. That is less than the Mariners, Rays, Tigers and Indians. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 2, 2020
Price's current status doesn't merit his contract totals, but as he proved in 2018 (at Dodger Stadium!), he can carry a team through October under the right circumstances.
Nobody has to make a move here (the Red Sox certainly do not!), but the arrow is trending upwards for a monumental Betts swap, while Lindor stays firmly in place for another few months.