The three-team blockbuster trade sending Mookie Betts and David Price to the Los Angeles Dodgers remains on hold due to medical red flags. Now, nearly three days after the trade was agreed to, MLB Players’ Association executive director Tony Clark is calling for a resolution.
In a statement, Clark asked that the Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins resolve the issue without more delays. Clark also blasted the teams for the issues impacting the players’ lives, while also leaking medical information and ruining the salary arbitration process.
The three-team deal is on hold following Boston’s concerns that Twins’ pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol’s elbow can’t hold up to being a starting pitcher. As a result, the Red Sox are seeking another top prospect in addition to Graterol and Dodgers outfielder Alex Verdugo.
Boston’s reasoning for trading its best players is largely tied into its desire to shed payroll before the 2020 season. Price is owed $96 million over the next three seasons and the Red Sox agreed to pay Betts an arbitration-record $27 million earlier this winter.
The Red Sox’ insistence on receiving more in return has also led to the Dodgers holding up their trade with the Los Angeles Angels. That decision has angered Angels owner Arte Moreno, causing further frustration in recent days.
Spring training is just days away and all parties involved want to be able to put this process behind them and welcome their new players. However, Boston is seemingly the one holding up the deal and it is now facing heat from other teams and the MLBPA.