While websites and analysts want Boston to trade Mookie Betts, it’s growing increasingly clear that the team needs him now more than ever.
All of the rumors swirling around about a potential Betts trade have zero confirmation from team owners and executives. Yes, the team has confirmed that they want to shed salary (more or less need to). While the team certainly has many avenues to explore this winter, all signs point to keeping Mookie Betts on the roster for now.
A trade as massive as this one puts many of those avenues on hold and even closes some. Last winter, he won his arbitration case at $20 million, a number that will likely go up to around $25 million. If the owners decide that this is the easiest route or the best route, there’s no need to let J.D. Martinez and/or Brock Holt walk in free agency, no absorbent trades, and no shot at any major player in the trade market.
“There is a way, but obviously it will be difficult given the nature of the agreements and the contracts we have in place.” “It is going to be a challenging offseason, but we’re ready to attack it head-on and do everything we can to put a competitive team out there not just for next year but 2021, 2022,” Sam Kennedy said in an ESPN article.
As resilient as this sounds, the team wants Mookie for the long haul, but Betts has been persistent in just playing ball, for now, then it’s time to find the right deal.
“It’s just been a blessing to be a part of such a great franchise with all of the history and all of the guys who have come through and they still come through. I’m a confident person in knowing my abilities but also know, I’m kind of a realist, I know when I suck,” Betts said in an ESPN interview. “I’m confident in my abilities and confident to know what kind of player I am. I’ve also been educated on the business side of it, getting your value.”
While it seems that if he is not traded that he will hold out and wait for free agency, but maybe at the time, his experience and time with the Boston Red Sox will help keep the price down just a little bit, and maybe keep him here for years to come.
