The Boston Red Sox have been engaged in trade talks with the Los Angeles Dodgers centered on star outfielder Mookie Betts, and there are many in the know who believe the deal is eventually going to be completed.
Peter Gammons spoke with three different National League sources on Sunday who view Betts being traded from Boston to Los Angeles as “inevitable.” The deal is not expected to include Gavin Lux, but outfielder Alex Verdugo is in play.
Three different NL folks today predicted Betts-to-L.A. is "inevitable." Consensus deal:Alex Verdugo, Inf Jeter Downs, pitcher, maybe A prospect. Think P is LH Caleb Ferguson, 95 MPH FB/CB guy, 113-39 K-BB in 93.1 IP, eventual starter. Got brushed off Gray
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) February 2, 2020
Verdugo hit .294 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs in only 106 games for the Dodgers last season, so the Red Sox may view him as a viable replacement for Betts. The 23-year-old hit .327 against left-handed pitching in 2019 and is an above-average outfielder.
Betts is eligible to become a free agent next winter, and he has reportedly asked the Red Sox for an enormous contract. Boston is looking to trim payroll, so re-signing Betts does not seem likely.
The Red Sox would probably want to attach David Price and the $96 million he has remaining on his contract in any potential deal for Betts, but it seems unlikely that the Dodgers will take on his contract while also giving up decent prospects. If Boston asks for too much, the Dodgers or any other team could simply wait until next winter and try to sign Betts as a free agent.