Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Admits He Wanted to Stay in Boston His Entire Career
Major League Baseball was taken for a ride when the Boston Red Sox dealt star outfielder Mookie Betts to the Dodgers for Alex Verdugo and multiple prospects.
For the Dodgers, the trade was integral to their 2020 World Series. Betts had an MVP-worthy season in 2020 and is once again having an MVP-caliber season in 2023. Betts is hitting .282 and has hit 29 home runs with a .964 OPS.
While there is no doubt Betts’ time in LA has led to much success for the 30-year-old, Betts revealed in a recent interview with Foul Territory that he was initially disappointed to have been traded away from Boston.
“I know people don’t believe it, but I wanted to stay in Boston my whole career,” Betts said. “That was my life. I knew everybody there. It was a short flight to Nashville (Betts’ hometown). It was perfect.”
(Via Foul Territory)
Betts spent the first six years of his career in Boston, winning the 2018 World Series and quickly becoming a fan favorite.
When asked if he would have stayed with the Red Sox had they offered him the same deal as the Dodgers, Betts said that he would have remained in Boston. The Dodgers signed Betts to a 12-year, $365 contract extension shortly after he was acquired by LA.
“It is what it is. But when the move happened, I was sad,” Betts said. “I was like, ‘I don’t wanna go out West.'”
(Via Foul Territory)
However, unsurprisingly, Betts has enjoyed his time in LA and the perks of living in Southern California.
“It was actually kind of a blessing in disguise. My family loves it. It’s a different way of life. The weather is beautiful. You never have to worry about the hot sticky stuff or the freezing cold and everything up in Boston. Being in LA has been awesome. I’m really happy.”
(Via Foul Territory)
One can assume that Betts will be even happier should the Dodgers continue to hold onto the top spot in the NL West, in which LA has a narrow lead over the surging Giants and Diamondbacks.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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