Dodgers: Star Prospect from Mookie Betts Trade Signs with Nationals Following DFA

The Dodgers continue to show they have won the Mookie Betts trade. Along with securing a World Series championship, Betts has been a driving catalyst for championship aspirations with his amazing outfield plays and steadying presence at the top of the lineup.

Getting Betts was easier said than done as the Dodgers had to give up top talent to acquire the 2018 MVP, including one of their star prospects in Jeter Downs. However, Downs was recently cut by the Red Sox and now signed a deal with the Nationals. Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo had the initial report.

Jeter Downs is a Washington National.https://t.co/f6eCNVWHPz

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) December 22, 2022

It was not an easy decision for Red Sox chief officer Chaim Bloom to move on from Downs once again (via Mass Live).

“This was a tough one,” Bloom said last week. “The fact that he was in a position where we considered him and chose him to be designated, I think just speaks to some of the struggles we’ve had getting him on track. I still think there’s a lot of physical ability there but we haven’t been able to unlock it consistently. Certainly know he’s still young and there’s no reason to write him off but he has obviously had some struggles.”

Downs was a highly coveted prospect but missing a year of the minor leagues due to COVID-19 was a huge part of his struggle. All the wrong things happened at the worst possible time leading to Downs hitting a .191 in 99 games with 14 home runs at Triple-A in 2021.

While Downs gets another opportunity purely on his upside, Betts has found a comfortable home with the Dodgers. As soon as he was traded for, Betts signed a massive 12-year deal that will likely keep him with the Dodgers until the end of his career.

It’s safe to say the trade worked out heavily in the Dodgers’ favor.

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