With spring training right around the corner, the Boston Red Sox appear to be intensifying trade talks surrounding star outfielder Mookie Betts.
According to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox are weighing offers from both the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers that include combinations of MLB players and prospects. There is no evidence that a deal is on the verge of happening, nor is there any guarantee that Betts gets dealt before the season.
The Dodgers in particular have a lot of flexibility, as they could take on a contract like David Price’s to help the Red Sox. That’s reportedly exactly what Boston would like to do. The Dodgers are also big fans of Betts and are likely to launch a strong pursuit of him if he hits free agency after the 2020 season.
The Padres, meanwhile, are motivated to add a superstar, but Boston might have to take on a different contract to make that deal work.
Betts is a former AL MVP who hit .295 with 29 home runs last season. He’s a free agent after this upcoming season, and the Red Sox are eager to get under the luxury tax threshold and stay there, making him a logical trade candidate based on that goal.
