The blockbuster Mookie Betts trade agreed upon by the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins remains on hold amid conflicting reports in confidence level it eventually gets completed.
Issues arose when the Red Sox reviewed the medicals of Brusdar Graterol, whom they were to receive from the Twins. The Dodgers agreed to send Alex Verdugo to Boston, and Kenta Maeda to Minnesota, while receiving David Price and cash considerations in addition to Betts.
With the Red Sox concerned over Graterol’s health, they are believed to be seeking an additional player or financial compensation in order to move forward with the trade. The Twins and Red Sox reportedly were working toward a resolution.
However, one avenue to finalizing the trade may be the Dodgers finding a prospect from another team and flipping him to the Red Sox, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
Talks between #MNTwins and #RedSox to resolve differences over value of right-hander Brusdar Graterol going slowly, sources tell The Athletic. One alternative is for #Dodgers to acquire prospect from another club to help bridge gap. Story from earlier: https://t.co/ZtX8TdUGJ7
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 7, 2020
On the surface, arguably the easiest route for the Dodgers is to first complete their trade with the L.A. Angels. In that deal — a byproduct of acquiring Betts — the Dodgers agreed to send Joc Pederson, Ross Stripling and prospect Andy Pages to the Angels in exchange for Luis Rengifo and one or two Minor Leaguers.
The trade was not only believed to have been on pause until matters are resolved between the Dodgers, Red Sox and Twins, but also Pederson’s arbitration hearing on Thursday. In theory, the Dodgers could reverse the order of the trades in order to acquire a prospect from the Angels who would be of interest to the Red Sox.
With teams across baseball reporting for Spring Training next week, it’s likely a solution is reached in the near future.
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