Dodgers: Mookie Betts Offer Likely Centered Around Alex Verdugo, Not Gavin Lux
As Mookie Betts rumors continue to heat up, the Dodgers seem to be front-runners in acquiring his services in a trade with Boston. However, the San Diego Padres are reportedly still in the mix to acquire him. It seems like there is a very high chance that Betts gets dealt, but obviously Dodger fans everywhere but prefer he gets dealt to Los Angeles.
In a recent column for MLB.com, the current state of the Mookie Betts talks were discussed at length.
The package that is being currently discussed with LA is centered around young outfielder Alex Verdugo with no expectation that top prospects Gavin Lux or Dustin May are involved, according to MLB insider Jon Morosi.
[adace-ad id=”118954″]The Dodgers will not deal shortstop Gavin Lux in a Betts trade package, but they are willing to include outfielder Alex Verdugo. That kind of depth in the Dodgers’ system is a big reason why Los Angeles could ultimately get a Betts deal done.
The Dodgers have long been disinterested in trading their prized prospect Gavin Lux and according to Morosi, it will stay that way. The club will in no way trade Lux in a Betts deal unless other assets come the Dodgers way within the acquisition.
But still a trade could be built without Lux, and it could be moving quick, if we’re to believe these reports. Earlier on Thursday, ESPN’s Buster Olney shared a similar sentiment. He expanded in a radio interview with Boston’s WEEI.
.@Buster_ESPN forecasts a Mookie Betts trade:
"If had to bet the family farm back in Vermont, I would say the #RedSox will trade Mookie Betts before spring training. He will go to the Dodgers."@GlennDOrdway @LouMerloni @christianfauria pic.twitter.com/WLNTyOhSFT
— Arcand & Mego (@MFMonWEEI) January 30, 2020
While Olney feels strongly that Betts should begin packing for Los Angeles, the Padres are still involved in talks with the Red Sox as well. A primary sticking point with the Padres talks appears to be their insistence on including some portion of Wil Myers’ deal in any deal for Mookie Betts. San Diego currently has one of the highest payrolls they have ever had as a franchise with large contracts doled out to the trio of Eric Hosmer, Manny Machado, and the aforementioned Wil Myers.
The main sticking point for the LA-Boston talks could wind up being the money on David Price’s deal or if he would be involved in the deal at all.
It seems less likely now that David Price would be traded WITH Mookie Betts, but that also doesn't mean that Price will not be traded if Mookie goes solo. Mookie to the Dodgers is the most likely scenario, but can't also rule out Price perhaps being dealt to the Angels.
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) January 30, 2020
The good part of this, though, is that there appears to be real traction on this front. If the Dodgers are able to make Mookie Betts a Dodger this winter, it would be the club’s biggest move in quite some time. If it happens, they could also have in the Dodger uniform for awhile if he chooses to sign an extension here. All possibilities are in view.
NEXT: How Much is Too Much for Mookie Betts?
It’s not worth it when we all know the Dodgers won’t give him the 12 year 420 million he’s going to want after the season
I agree with Haywood. This is just too much to pay for a 1-year rental. Alex Verdugo is a great fielder and a great hitter. He is also a huge boost for the clubhouse. He is a long-term talent for LA. A trade will make the Dodgers better in 2020, but LA should not go into luxury tax territory.
I will gladly take Buster Olney’s family farm because nothing will happen. Betts to Dodgers just full of hot air.
I lurrrrve Alex Verdugo. When I see him play I smile. And there is such a logjam in the LAD outfield. Sure thought Kike’ or CT and especially Joc would be gone by now.
how disheartening must the bittersweet news for potentially being traded for one if the best players in the game while also going to a great organization that has yet to be sanctioned by MLB for cheating /stealing in the WS against the team he has come up from.
I really like Verdugo’s game. I think he has the tools to be a perennial AS. On the bonus side a trade to the BoSox will let him live through maybe the best rivalry in MLB, BoSox-Yanks. Man that would be a great perk.
If he goes, i want to see him become a monster out there. And to remember he was a key piece to get just one year of a top 5 MVP player.
Neither Verdugo nor any other player traded to the Red Sox give a d— about whatever comes out of the MLB WS inquiry. The traded players were not involved. The only player concern is will my contract be paid by the new organization? (Yes it will) and will the new team be competitive (Yes, it will – Red Sox won’t be out of the playoffs long). All of that other blather is for the fanboys to worry about, not players.
Yeah that great Baahston-Nu Yaak rivalry will also put him in some of the coldest weather he has ever experienced… No worth it in my book. Why do you thing so many Nor’easters are moving to Florida? Its not because the Gas is cheapah!
Love Verdugo’s game, hate his injuries. Way too young to be having back troubles. That said, I would have preferred a deal centered around Ruiz. Secondly, Betts and 420 million over 12 years is the same as saying, ‘I got no interest playing for the Red Sox, so trade me, man!’. But if that is what he really thinks he’s worth , He can walk after 2020, just as long as he delivers a WS trophy on his way out the door.
It’s not happening,Dodgers will not part with Verdugo,May,Lux,Corey, for a 1 year rental,they might give them Pollock and Maeda that way Dodgers use their salary to cover most of Betts salary,but the youngsters stay.Verdugo will be another Tony Gwyn with better defensive skills,stronger arm and more pop.Also don’t expect for Betts to have a good season playing in Dodger stadium if he comes.He will only hit around 270 with 18 hrs,around 75 rbis.Even Kike can do better than that,so there”s no point bring in him here.
The Dodgers have already offered Verdugo in other trade talks so don’t think the Dodgers would hesitate in moving him (along with other players) for Betts, who is a generational talent and currently a top 5 player in all of MLB. The idea that LA would trade for Betts would be a 1 year rental is absurd. First, it’s known that Betts wants to play for a California team, and the Dodgers have the resources and would be the favorite to re-sign him long term. Fanboys may not like it, but baseball people know that you don’t hesitate to literally trade the farm for a player of Betts’ caliber.
There is no way Pollock and Maeda are the centerpiece of a trade for Betts.
Folks, when all is said and done, I have no problem at all with dealing from a PLETHORA of LH hitters to obtain a legit impact RH bat, even if it’s for 1 year.
Don’t bet on Betts. If it’s just for one year it’s not worth it. It cost too much and there’s no guaranty the Dodgers will win the World Series.
Not a smart move
Poor AF. He’s damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t!
Betts is commanding too much for a one-year rental. Dodger Stadium’s dimensions don’t help him as much as Fenway Park. Sit tight, Dodgers fans.