MLB Insider Claims 'Skepticism' Persists About Red Sox Mookie Betts Trade Talks
By Chris Pyo
After it was revealed that many MLB executives expect that either Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor or Kris Bryant will be traded, the Hot Stove really began to heat up.
MLB insider Jon Heyman has cooled those thoughts off, claiming that many teams are hesitant to give up prospects and assets for only one year of Betts.
While Red Sox will likely gauge the trade market for Mookie Betts this winter, there’s great skepticism any interested team will trade a package of great prospects and pay about $28M for 1 year even for a superstar such as Betts.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 12, 2019
J.D. Martinez's decision not to opt out of his contract has really put the Red Sox in a bind, as they're looking to get under the luxury tax. Combine this with reports of Mookie's rumored discontent with the Red Sox franchise, and all signs point towards Boston trading him this offseason.
The only problem? He's due $28 million dollars next year, and will become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2020 season.
Face it, Red Sox fans, you are overrating Mookie Betts a bit https://t.co/FfHrvUbrtX via @BostonGlobe
— Dan Shaughnessy (@Dan_Shaughnessy) November 8, 2019
Without having a guarantee on retaining Betts' services past the 2020 season, many MLB teams will be understandably cautious in pursuing a deal for him and giving up too much.