MLB Rumors: Red Sox, Mookie Betts Unlikely To Reach Extension, Boston OF Expects To Hit Free Agency

In light of the report that Mike Trout will sign a record-breaking contract with the Los Angeles Angels, much of the baseball world has turned its attention to Mookie Betts. The reigning AL MVP is set to become the next superstar to hit free agency following his final arbitration-eligible season in 2020.

Betts rejected a lucrative extension from the Boston Red Sox last year, and it’s starting to sound like the two sides won’t reach an agreement anytime soon. The outfielder told reporters Wednesday that he expects to test the market as a free agent in two seasons.

Boston avoided arbitration and agreed to pay Betts $20 million for the 2019 MLB season. If he has another big year, his salary for 2020 will approach $30 million.

Trout’s extension gives Betts a new target for his first big deal. The Angels reportedly tacked on 10 years and more than $360 million to Trout’s current contract, which will pay him $33.25 million in each of the next two seasons.

Manny Machado received a 10-year, $300 million contract in free agency. Bryce Harper got $330 million over 13 years from the Philadelphia Phillies. Betts would likely surpass both of those deals on the open market.

ESPN’s Buster Olney speculated Tuesday on the “Baseball Tonight” podcast that a 10-year, $350 million extension from Boston to Betts might get the job done.

Betts hit .346/.438/.640 with 32 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 136 games last year to win the AL MVP award for the world champion Red Sox. He finished sixth in the 2017 AL MVP voting and was the runner-up in 2016.