Here's Why the Red Sox Probably Can't Package Mookie Betts and David Price in the Same Trade

The Boston Red Sox have been precariously silent this offseason, and we're not so sure why.

Though we know why they aren't spending on new pieces, they have failed to address the crippling contracts of Mookie Betts and David Price. The former is slated to make over $27 million in his final year of arbitration -- trading him before he enters free agency is the most logical resolution -- and the latter will earn a mind-rattling $32 million this upcoming season.

Their names have oft been mentioned in the same trade packages, but MLB insider Ken Rosenthal cleared the air on why that sort of trade would never come to fruition.

Rosenthal notes that any club willing to trade for Price would undoubtedly ask for loads of loot in return. While that might sound alluring from the surface, any money that Boston dishes out would count against their luxury tax payroll.

For those curious, the Red Sox are fresh off being billed $13.4 million (a club record) for their 2019 infractions. The threshold is set at $208 million for 2020, and the organization is projected to breach that sum by nearly $20 million.

No matter which way you slice it, the Red Sox signing Price to the richest contract for a pitcher in league history in terms of guaranteed money (prior to Gerrit Cole's deal this offseason, of course) absolutely screwed them.