Expectations are high for Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts, and nobody has a higher opinion of the youngster than perhaps David Ortiz.
According to a story from ESPN’s Buster Olney, Ortiz recently told Betts the outfielder was headed for a $250 million contract in free agency if he keeps improving.
“He’s going to be one of the best players in the American League,” Ortiz said of Betts this spring.
Betts is just 23 years old but has already proven just how good he is. In his first full season in the league last year, Betts batted .291/.341/.479 with 42 doubles, eight triples and 18 home runs. That’s a lot of extra base hits. He also stole 21 bases in 27 attempts and walked 46 times compared to 82 strikeouts, which is a very good mark for a 22-year-old.
Players around the league also rave about Betts’ awareness. The Red Sox organization feels the youngster also has an extremely high level of baseball intelligence. In that regard he has intangibles in addition to strong stats and skills.
Boston controls Betts’ future through 2020. At the rate he’s going, he’s likely going to be a $250 million player as Ortiz says. If Jason Heyward just got $184 million in free agency, then you can imagine what Betts will get factoring in inflation. He’ll be able to afford all the golf carts he’ll need with that kind of money.
