What seemingly began as negotiations between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox for a deal involving Mookie Betts and David Price grew to a three-team trade with the Minnesota Twins.
In the trade that was agreed to Tuesday night, the Dodgers were receiving Betts, Price and cash considerations; Alex Verdugo and Twins prospect Brusdar Graterol were heading to the Red Sox; and Kenta Maeda was sent to Minnesota.
However, the Red Sox found issue with Graterol’s medicals, no longer project him as a starting pitcher, have sought additional compensation that’s caused an impasse. As a result, the three-team trade is now hanging in the balance as the Twins have set a deadline for it to be finalized.
Even if Minnesota backs away from the deal, it would not rule out a trade with the Dodgers to acquire Maeda, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports:
Team officials involved in deal say the #Twins could still get Kenta Maeda from #Dodgers but it would be separate deal not directly involving the Red Sox.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 8, 2020
It’s unclear if the Dodgers would potentially trade with the Twins prior to or after reaching a conclusion with the Red Sox. It can be presumed L.A. would be more reluctant to part with Maeda if they were not acquiring Price.
Furthermore, the Dodgers had a secondary trade aligned to send Joc Pederson, Ross Stripling and Andy Pages to the L.A. Angeles in exchange for Luis Rengifo and one or two prospects. Angels owner Arte Moreno was said to be growing frustrated with the delay in that deal being finalized as well.
Now Pederson, Maeda and Stripling remain in limbo as pitchers and catchers are due to report for Spring Training next week and position players days later.
From Maeda’s perspective, he possibly is losing out on a likely opportunity to become a full-fledge starter. The Dodgers utilizing him as a relief pitcher during the second half of recent seasons and in the playoffs was a source of frustration for the right-hander.
So much so that Maeda and his representatives approached the Dodgers earlier in the offseason about a potential trade.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our live shows, and more!
