Mookie Betts trade talks between Red Sox, Dodgers reportedly heating up

The Boston Red Sox are still engaged in trade talks surrounding star outfielder Mookie Betts, and the Los Angeles Dodgers appear to have emerged as the most likely suitor.

Talks between the Red Sox and Dodgers have moved beyond the preliminary stage, according to Andy McCullough of The Athletic. The Dodgers have the money and prospects that would be needed to acquire Betts, and LA president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has been openly looking to add another star player this offseason. The Dodgers missed out on both Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon, and McCullough notes that they do not believe the Colorado Rockies could be persuaded to trade star third baseman Nolan Arenado to a division rival.

If they wanted to, the Dodgers could also offer to take on David Price and the $96 million the left-hander is owed over the next three seasons. LA is hesitant to part with top prospects Gavin Lux and Dustin May, so absorbing Price’s salary could be one way to get a deal done. However, McCullough cited two rival executives who value Price at $15 million per season, meaning he is considered to be grossly overpaid.

The Dodgers have not won a World Series in more than three decades, and they have come painfully close in recent years. Betts would give their lineup a major boost and could finally help them get over the hump. For what it’s worth, ESPN’s Buster Olney seems to think it is very likely that Betts will wind up in LA.

Worth repeating, as LAD talk with BOS about a possible megadeal: The most significant $ obligation they have in baseball ops is likely to Andrew Friedman, who just signed his new deal. The most they owe any individual player is Kershaw ($46m). Tons of payroll flexibility.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 30, 2020

8.5

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 29, 2020

The Red Sox have a new president of baseball operations in Chaim Bloom, and they appear to be determined to restock their farm system. Betts has also reportedly asked for an enormous contract and is set to become a free agent next winter, so Boston may want to get as much in return for him as possible. If the Red Sox decide they can’t wait any longer, the Dodgers sound like their best trade partner.