Dodgers Reportedly Verified With MLB That Mookie Betts Wasn't Caught in Red Sox Sign-Stealing Investigation
By Sean Facey
The Los Angeles Dodgers made the move of the offseason when they acquired Mookie Betts from the Boston Red Sox in a blockbuster trade. The trade, however, was made in the midst of the league's investigation into the Red Sox for sign-stealing, leading to questions as to whether or not Betts would be punished if he was found to have contributed to cheating.
But the Dodgers did their due diligence. Before following through on the trade, they double-checked with MLB to make sure that the 2018 AL MVP wouldn't get caught up in any of the fallout from the investigation.
https://t.co/gXWgfjOk3r the #Dodgers made sure to check with MLB that Betts was not ensnared in their investigation of the 2018 #RedSox, removing another potential obstacle to what looks like the top superpower in the majors. Now can they finally win it all.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 1, 2020
It certainly would have been a sticky situation if Betts was punished and missed a significant chunk of time after the Dodgers shipped out plenty of young talent for him.
It's also just further proof that the Dodgers are all in on winning a title this year. They made sure that nothing could keep their superstar trade acquisition from helping them wreak havoc on the league.
World Series or bust: Mookie Betts stuns new #Dodgers teammates with spring training challenge https://t.co/sfWDeS8uDG
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 1, 2020
Now the Dodgers will be able to trot out an Opening Day lineup featuring two MVPs in Betts and homegrown star Cody Bellinger.
This is a team on a mission. After falling short of the ultimate goal for seven years, 2020 looks to be the Dodgers' best chance at claiming their first World Series title since 1988.