Red Sox and Dodgers Rumored to Be 'Close' in Mookie Betts Trade Talks
The Boston Red Sox have been trying to trade Mookie Betts all offseason and several MLB teams have been linked to the star outfielder.
The latest rumor is that the Los Angeles Dodgers may be close to getting a Betts deal done sooner than later.
Sources have indicated to me that the #RedSox are in discussions with the #Dodgers to trade star OF Mookie Betts & that sides are close.
— PCreight (@PCreighton1) January 30, 2020
Reportedly Boston offered Betts a 10yr $300M deal but were rebuffed.
More on #StraightHeat @SBNationRadio 12aCT https://t.co/FAjRUjfIj6
The source on this rumor is a Houston-based radio host, but nothing else has really developed on that front considering the San Diego Padres are also in the running. On another note, we know how the contract talks between the Sox and Betts haven't progressed, and the tidbit here (though its veracity is unclear) about Betts turning down a $300 million deal in Boston could indicate the team will do whatever it takes to move him before his trade value goes down during his final year of club control.
Sense is that Red Sox seem more serious than ever about a Mookie Betts deal, and rivals are starting to think a trade may happen. Dodgers and Padres are teams most often publicly linked though no sense yet who may be most likely.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 28, 2020
The Dodgers have the money to offer Betts a long-term deal upon arrival and the team is stocked with prospects to make an offer the Red Sox can't turn down.
Then again, Los Angeles is unlikely to make such a trade if they aren't assured Betts will sign an extension, especially if the Sox continue to ask for top prospects. At just 27 years of age, Betts is well within his prime, so it's safe to say if the Dodgers were to acquire him for just the 2020 season it'd still be a smart move considering they'd be even more of a threat to win the World Series.