UPDATE (Feb. 4, 6:20 p.m. PT): Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to acquire Mookie Betts and David Price from the Boston Red Sox in a three-team trade.
Over the past few weeks the Los Angeles Dodgers were regularly connected to trade speculation involving Mookie Betts and Francisco Lindor. All the while the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians both continued to publicly state they did not feel any pressure to complete a deal.
As talks between the Dodgers and Indians were said to have stalled, discussions with the Red Sox began to heat up. In addition to the Dodgers, Boston reportedly has been in contact with the San Diego Padres.
However, indications over the past few days have pointed to the Dodgers pulling ahead, in some part because of their ability to assume David Price’s contract as part of a Betts trade. The 34-year-old is owed $96 million over the next three seasons.
As rumblings have grown louder, the Dodgers and Red Sox now are believed to be nearing an agreement centered around Betts, according to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe:
Like @JonHeyman, hearing that Mookie Betts talks have heated up. Red Sox are in advanced conversations with the Dodgers. A deal tonight is possible, per major league sources.
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) February 5, 2020
Furthermore, the deal would include Price:
Re: Betts trade — It would send Betts and Price to the Dodgers, pending review of medicals, per sources. Medicals are currently being exchanged.
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) February 5, 2020
It’s unclear what the Red Sox would receive in total for Betts, but Alex Verdugo is a centerpiece, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
Both Mookie Betts and David Price would head to Los Angeles if #RedSox and #Dodgers complete their blockbuster, a source tells The Athletic. Alex Verdugo would be centerpiece for Boston. Deal could be in place tonight, per @alexspeier. Would require completion of medical reviews.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 5, 2020
Jeter Downs, Josiah Gray and Keibert Ruiz are among the prospects who have been mentioned in trade rumors. Verdugo fits the description of being a Major League outfielder that the Red Sox wish to receive, and the aforementioned prospects are held in high regard.
So too are Gavin Lux and Dustin May, but Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has remained steadfast in his refusal to part with either of them.
Betts is set to earn $27 million this year and will become a free agent at the conclusion of the season. He reportedly rejected a contract extension in excess of $300 million and is determined to reach the open market.
By trading for Betts prior to Opening Day, the Dodgers would be in position to extend him a qualifying offer and receive draft pick compensation if he were to sign with another club in free agency.
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