In a move that helped both sides avoid arbitration, the Boston Red Sox and outfielder Mookie Betts agreed to a one-year, $27 million deal which not only breaks the year-old record of $26 million that the Colorado Rockies paid Nolan Arenado to avoid arbitration but is also a modest raise after the two sides agreed to a $20 million deal last offseason to avoid arbitration.
Betts will become a free agent after the 2020 season and more than a few teams will be jumping at the chance to sign him.
The 27-year-old Betts was selected in the fifth round of the 2011 draft. He was a crucial part of the team that won the 2018 World Series who won the American League MVP award. as well.
Betts hit .295 with 29 home runs and 80 runs batted in last season. He also led the American League with 135 runs scored.
Since he made his debut in 2014, Betts has led the major leagues in runs scored. He also has led the Red Sox in home runs with 139 and is second in runs batted in with 470. He has won four consecutive Gold Gloves.
Betts has been the subject of trade talks this offseason, along with his Red Sox teammate Jackie Bradley, Jr., as they are both young and proven talent that teams can build around.
It was also reported on Friday that the Red Sox reached a one-year deal with Bradley for $11 million. He, like Betts, is set to be a free agent after the 2020 season. Bradley hit .225 with 21 home runs and 62 RBI in 2019.
