While the Minnesota Twins are ready to pull back from the blockbuster three-team deal, the Boston Red Sox reportedly remain focused on trading Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Boston’s front office is determined “above all else” to complete a trade sending Betts and Price to the Dodgers. However, if a new agreement can’t be reached, other teams could engage in trade talks once more for Betts.
The three-team trade started falling apart on Thursday due to Boston’s medical concerns after examining Brusdar Graterol’s elbow. The 21-year-old had Tommy John surgery in 2016 and was sidelined for a stretch this past season with an impingement in his shoulder.
Following concerns over his chances of holding up to a starting pitcher’s workload, Boston asked the Twins for another top prospect to pair with Graterol and Dodgers outfielder Alex Verdugo. When Minnesota rejected the request, the three-team trade fell apart.
The Twins could trade Graterol to the Dodgers for Kenta Maeda, which was part of the original deal. In that instance, Los Angeles could then package Graterol, Verdugo and additional assets to send to the Red Sox to complete the deal.
Spring training is closing in and all teams involved want to make the trade official before players report to prepare for the 2020 season. The breakdown of the original deal has left many frustrated, including Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno. The Angels are waiting for the Dodgers to acquire Betts, so they can then complete their trade for Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling.
An agreement isn’t expected to be reached until Sunday at the earliest. If discussions breakdown even further, don’t be surprised if the San Diego Padres get involved once more to try and land Betts.