Mookie Betts ‘loves’ Boston despite rumors of departure

Mookie Betts’ future with the Boston Red Sox may be murky, but it doesn’t appear to be on account of the city.

Betts affirmed to WEEI on Tuesday that he “loves” Boston, calling it his second home despite lingering rumors that his long-term future may lie elsewhere.

Mookie Betts to @WEEI: ‘For people who don’t think I like it here, I love it here.’ Describes Boston as his second home, and says his family loves coming to Boston.

— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) August 20, 2019

Betts would become a free agent after the 2020 season and has already turned down an eight-year, $200 million extension. That has led many in the industry to believe he could test free agency, which may lead Boston to shop him this winter. If he does leave, it sounds like it’s not because of Boston. It may just be a simple financial issue.