MLB Rumors: Mookie Betts Almost Certain Of Landing In Los Angeles

KEY POINTS

Betts could be headed to the Dodgers
Red Sox finding ways to crunch budget numbers
Betts trade could affect Red Sox upcoming MLB campaign

The Boston Red Sox are in a hole right now as they try to make ends meet as they work their way under the competitive balance tax (CBT) threshold. For them to do so, it may take a trade involving Mookie Betts. Several teams have been linked to the 27-year-old right fielder like the San Diego Padres. But it appears Betts will eventually go to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

According to Peter Gammons of The Athletic, a speculated trade involving Betts could be happening ahead of the 2020 MLB season. The Red Sox would get Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs plus a potential prospect.

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

Boston is determined to reduce costs this offseason, even if it means giving up Betts. Both camps avoided arbitration last month after agreeing to a one-year $27 million contract. The four-time MLB All-Star will become an unrestricted free agent after the coming season.

Betts should provide the Dodgers campaign with an added boost. He is coming off another good season. He is known for his high offensive floor, his defense, and his base-running, making him a pretty valuable performer. However, moving the 2018 American League MVP is not expected to sit well with the team's fanbase.

"In the end we take full responsibility for the overall direction of the club," Red Sox owner John Henry said in a report from the Associated Press. "But one of the things that we've talked about and I think is apparent is that we need to have more depth in our minor league system."

Betts owns a WAR of 35.4 over the past five seasons, ranking second to Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels (44.2). He batted .295 with 29 home runs, 80 RBI and a .524 slugging percentage in 2019.

Regardless, pundits feel that Betts brings so much more than that to the table which the Dodgers could benefit from. However, there is still the matter of who the Dodgers would give in return. The names of Gavin Lux and Dustin May have surfaced although Los Angeles is reportedly reluctant to part with them.

As for the Padres, Betts could be a critical missing piece. They already acquired Tommy Pham and Trent Grisham in the offseason. Adding the 2018 World Series champion could make them more formidable, especially if the Dodgers fail to come to terms with the Red Sox.