The Boston Red Sox floated outfielder Mookie Betts in MLB trade rumors heavily during the 2020 offseason before dealing him to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Just over three years later, Betts still wishes things had gone down differently.
After earning four All-Star selections, a World Series ring and 2018 AL MVP with the Red Sox, Betts wanted to become one of the highest-paid MLB players. Boston and Betts negotiated a long-term extension for months but couldn’t come to an agreement.
- Mookie Betts stats (2023): .276/.377/.562, .939 OPS, 27 home runs, 68 RBI
When Betts turned down the Red Sox’s final offer, in the neighborhood of $300 million over undisclosed years, he was traded to the Dodgers for Alex Verdugo, Connor Wong and Jeter Downs. The All-Star outfielder signed a 12-year, $365 million contract with Los Angeles shortly after.
In an interview with Justin Leger of NBC Sports Boston, Betts addressed his Red Sox departure and how he wishes he could’ve spent his entire career in Boston.
“I know people don’t believe it, but I wanted to stay in Boston my whole career. That was my life. I knew everybody there. It was a short flight to Nashville. It was perfect.”
Mookie Betts reflecting on the Boston Red Sox
Interestingly, Betts was asked if he would’ve re-signed with Boston if they made the same offer as the Dodgers. He made it very clear that if the Red Sox made the same contract proposal that Los Angeles did, he would still be playing at Fenway Park.
- Mookie Betts contract: $25 million salary (2023), $30 million salary (2024-’27), $35 million salary (2028-’30), $32.5 million salary (2031-’32)
The Red Sox have developed a reputation for being conservative with some of their offers to star players. Boston allowed All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts to depart in free agency, signing with the San Diego Padres. Bogaerts later revealed just how poorly negotiations with the Red Sox went this past winter.
Ultimately, everything worked out for Betts. He won his second World Series ring with the Dodgers in 2020 and has been a perennial NL MVP candidate since landing in Los Angeles. He’ll also have an opportunity to prove himself at Fenway Park again when the Red Sox host the Dodgers from Aug. 25-27.
