There’s a lot of speculation and rumors placing the Dodgers as the favorites for Mookie Betts. Mookie Betts is, without a doubt, one of the best players in baseball. But the question is now what would, Mookie going to the Dodgers mean for everyone involved.
Acquiring Mookie Betts ~ The Player
As previously mentioned, Mookie Betts is one of the best Right Fielders in the game. And among the best athletes and talents in Major League Baseball. And anywhere that Mookie plays will give that team a monumental boost. There isn’t anything on a baseball field that Mookie Betts is incapable of doing and doing at a high level. So acquiring Mookie is a good move from a field perspective.
The Contract & Lack of Extension
Currently, Mookie Betts is earning approximately $27 Million. This is a fairly reasonable amount for an MVP caliber player. But what the Red Sox have failed to do, which is why this is even a conversation, is sign Mookie long-term. The Red Sox supposedly offer a 10 year $300 Million deal to Mookie that he turned down. It’s unlikely then that even a new club could sway Betts from testing free agency. Betts has a reasonable contract but gives no reason to believe an extension is possible.
Boston Red Sox ~ Losses & Gains
The Boston Red Sox are in the process of finding a new identity. After missing the playoffs in 2019, the then-GM Dave Dombrowski was relieved of his duties. So a new GM was named in Chaim Bloom, formerly of the Tampa Bay Rays. In the subsequent months, the Red Sox allegedly stole signs in 2018. And are now being investigated by Major League Baseball. So at add insult to injury for Red Sox fans, the “Tampa Guy” is looking to rebuild in Boston, by moving Mookie. Trading Mookie Betts would be a significant blow to an otherwise, ready-to-contend, team.
However, where the Red Sox would gain back some semblance of value is in trading for the best offer. There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that Mookie will test free agency. And when 30 teams can compete for a player of Betts’ caliber, the price can skyrocket. And should Boston hold onto Mookie and lose him to free agency, merely a compensation draft pick, is no compensation at all. Add in the uncertainty of the investigation against them and who knows what pick they would even receive at that point. Gaining value for Mookie NEEDS to be at the forefront of Bloom’s mindset at this time.
Los Angeles Dodgers ~ Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride
In two of the last three seasons, the Dodgers have reached the World Series. Sadly, however, only to lose. (Albeit, now amidst verifiable and allegations of cheating by their opponents.) However, the past can not and will not be changed. So the Dodgers must look ahead. And the refocusing on the future can begin with arguably the best player not named Mike Trout. Adding Mookie Betts to the LA Dodgers makes the already favored Dodgers, even more dangerous. And Mookie also helps a very left-handed heavy lineup balance better. Mookie Betts, alongside players like Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, Justin Turner, Corey Seager, and more, could deliver Dodgers’ fans their first title since 1988.
Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire
As of this writing, a Mookie Betts trade is merely rumors and speculation. But we have to believe that the Red Sox would like to move Mookie and gain some value and payroll flexibility back. And as far as the player himself, Mookie will want to play on a team that’s looking to compete for a championship. And whether it’s the Dodgers, Padres, or any other “mystery” team, Mookie adds value and makes any team a legitimate World Series contender.
