MLB Rumors: Mookie Betts Trade More Likely As Dodgers Talk With Red Sox, Padres 'Pushing Hardest'

Trade talks involving Mookie Betts have intensified over the last week. It had appeared that the Boston Red Sox were likely to keep their best player for the start of the 2020 MLB season, but that might no longer be the case.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, other teams are starting to believe Boston will trade Betts since the Red Sox seem “more serious than ever” about making a trade. MLB Network’s Ken Rosenthal said on “Hot Stove” Wednesday morning that his guess is Betts will be dealt by Opening Day.

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 San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers have recently pursued Betts. Rosenthal said the Padres are “pushing the hardest” to get a deal done, though he indicated the Dodgers have an easier path to completing a trade. San Diego wants Boston to take on Wil Myers and the $61 million he is owed, which has reportedly complicated trade talks.

Both San Diego and Los Angeles have the minor-league prospects necessary to meet Boston’s asking price. The Dodgers have the capability to acquire David Price and the $96 million left on his contract. Los Angeles would be able to give up a less valuable package of young players if they also agreed to take the pitcher off Boston’s hands.

Betts is set to make $27 million this upcoming season. The Red Sox are looking to shed payroll, and the outfielder is headed for free agency after the World Series.

Former Red Sox infielder Lou Merloni said on WEEI's “Ordway, Merloni & Fauria” Tuesday that Betts rejected a 10-year, $300 million offer from Boston following the 2018 season. Betts asked for a 12-year, $420 million contract.

Betts won the 2018 AL MVP award, leading the Red Sox to a World Series championship. He’s reportedly seeking a contract in the neighborhood of the one Mike Trout signed last year. The Los Angeles Angels gave Trout a 12-year, $430 million deal.

Betts has finished second, sixth, first and eighth in the last four MVP races. The 27-year-old has had an average WAR of 8.45 in those four seasons.