Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts plans on testing the free-agent market next offseason, and with the Red Sox deep into the luxury tax with no relief in sight, there has been some speculation that they could trade Betts this winter.
However, if you were expecting your favorite team to make a push for the 2018 American League MVP, you probably shouldn't count on it.
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, Boston will likely gauge the trade market for Betts this offseason, but rival clubs probably won't be able to offer the package the Red Sox will be expecting in return.
Given that Betts is slated to earn just under $28 million in 2020 and has been steadfast in saying that he will not be signing any long-term deals before the end of next season, you can see why other organizations would be reluctant to part with a significant package for the star.
Betts is coming off of a 2019 campaign in which he slashed .295/.391/.524 with 29 home runs, 40 doubles and 80 RBI over 706 plate appearances, and while that's far off from the .346/.438/.640 slash line that landed him MVP honors last year, they are still elite numbers.
The 27-year-old was originally selected by the Red Sox in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB Draft.
He made his big-league debut in 2014, playing in 52 games and slashing .291/.368/.444 with five long balls and 18 RBI. Betts then became a full-time starter for Boston in 2015 and made his first of four straight All-Star appearances in 2016.
The Nashville native boasts a career slash line of .301/.374/.519 and also owns four Gold Glove awards.
Follow Us
Subscribe