The Los Angeles Dodgers have a real interest in acquiring Mookie Betts, and the Boston Red Sox are seriously considering trading their best player. The two sides continue to discuss a blockbuster deal that would put the superstar in L.A.

Boston and Los Angeles had months of preliminary talks and are now engaging in discussions that could result in a trade, according to The Athletic’s Andy McCullough. Los Angeles reportedly doesn’t want to give up top prospects Gavin Lux or Dustin May, but the organization has enough highly touted prospects and promising young players to get a deal done if they choose to do so.

The San Diego Padres are also pursuing Betts. San Diego has one of the best minor-league systems in baseball.

The Dodgers’ ability to absorb David Price’s contract could give them an edge over the Padres in the race to land Betts. It’s reportedly unlikely that Los Angeles would agree to pay the $96 million remaining on Price’s contract.

San Diego is trying to trade for Betts as the team looks to become competitive. The Padres last made the playoffs in 2006.

Los Angeles has won seven consecutive NL West titles. The Dodgers were beaten in both the 2017 and 2018 World Series. The team lost Game 5 of the 2019 NLDS at home against the eventual champion Washington Nationals.

The Dodgers have led the NL in both runs scored and OPS in each of the last two seasons.

Pitchers and catchers report to Dodgers’ camp on Feb. 11. The team’s first spring training game is scheduled for Feb. 22 against the San Francisco Giants.

Mookie Betts Boston Red Sox
Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after striking out in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles during the Grapefruit League spring training game at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 27, 2019 in Fort Myers, Florida. Michael Reaves/Getty Images
RELATED STORIES
Major league baseball