The Minnesota Twins are pulling out of the blockbuster three-team deal that sent Mookie Betts and David Price to the Los Angeles Dodgers, per The Star Tribune’s LaVella E. Neal.
The deal, which all three teams agreed to on Tuesday night, fell apart over Boston’s medical concerns regarding Twins pitcher Brusdar Graterol. The 21-year-old hurler would go to the Red Sox, along with Dodgers outfielder Alex Verdugo. In exchange, Minnesota would receive pitcher Kenta Maeda from the Dodgers.
Graterol underwent Tommy John surgery in 2016 and missed significant time this season with a right shoulder impingement. However, Graterol’s agent Scott Boras revealed that multiple orthopedic doctors confirmed there are no long-term issues with his arm.
Boston’s front office started seeking another top-10 prospect from the Twins to complete the deal. While the Twins were comfortable dealing Graterol to land Maeda, the front office ultimately determined adding another prospect was unreasonable and are now pulling out of the deal, with confirmation from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
The teams faced pressure from the MLB Players’ Association to find a resolution to the deal after dragging players through days of uncertainty regarding their futures.
Spring training is just days away, which will likely add further pressure to the Dodgers and Red Sox to make the deal work. Whether it’s finding a new third team or making things work themselves, both sides are reportedly trying to find a solution.
For now, though, Betts and Price remain members of the Red Sox.