MLB Rumors: A Los Angeles Dodgers Trade For Mookie Betts Could Include Top Prospects, Outfielder

The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres have reportedly both been in discussions with the Boston Red Sox about acquiring Mookie Betts. The outfielder has been in trade rumors for most of the offseason, and according to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier, the Red Sox are “serious” in their willingness to move their best player.

San Diego is a logical trade partner for Boston because of its loaded farm system. The Padres have six minor-leaguers that rank in Baseball America’s list of top-100 prospects ahead of the 2020 MLB season.

Los Angeles leads the National League with seven prospects in the top 100. The Dodgers also have more payroll flexibility than San Diego, potentially making L.A. the most realistic landing spot for the 2018 AL MVP.

Boston is considering trading Betts in order to save payroll. The outfielder will make $27 million this season in the final year of his contract. The Red Sox would like to get below the $208 million luxury tax threshold, which would require trimming their payroll by over $20 million.

If Boston makes a trade with San Diego, it might require the Red Sox to take on the bulk of Wil Myers’ $61 million contract in addition to promising young players, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. Los Angeles could complete a deal with Boston without sending the Red Sox any high-priced players.

Although unlikely, it’s possible that the Dodgers could acquire David Price and his contract, along with Betts. Boston’s asking price in terms of prospects could be lowered significantly in such a scenario. Price is owed $96 million through the 2022 season.

The Dodgers would be unwilling to trade infield prospect Gavin Lux for most MLB players, let alone one that’s headed for free agency is nine months. Pitcher Dustin May might be off the table, as well.

Catchers Keibert Ruiz and Diego Cartaya, pitchers Tony Gonsolin and Josiah Gray and infielder Jeter Downs are among the prospects that could be sent from Los Angeles to Boston in a trade for Betts. At least two of those players might have to be included in a trade. ESPN’s Buster Olney has previously reported that the Red Sox are seeking two “high-end” prospects.

The Dodgers would likely give up a major-league outfielder in a potential deal, according to Speier. Alex Verdugo, Joc Pederson or A.J. Pollock could replace Betts on Boston’s roster.

The Red Sox would likely prefer Verdugo, who is a younger and much cheaper option than Pederson or Pollock. Acquiring the 23-year-old could mean getting less value in regard to the prospects that go to Boston.

The reigning NL West champions struck out in free agency in pursuit of stars. Stephen Strasburg stayed with the Washington Nationals. Gerrit Cole chose the New York Yankees. Anthony Rendon wanted to play for Los Angeles’ other team.

The Dodgers have what it takes to acquire one of the sport’s top stars. It’s just a matter of if they are prepared to meet the asking price for a potential one-year rental.