Actually trade Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts may be the best player in the game aside from Mike Trout. The Boston Red Sox should trade him anyway.
It is a simple matter of logistics. Boston has repetitively attempted to engage Betts in talks regarding an extension. Each time, Betts has refused, seemingly determined to play out his time before arbitration, and then head to free agency. Given the contracts signed by Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon, he is set to cash in, possibly becoming the first player to earn $40 million per year.
Yes, the Red Sox will make Betts a Qualifying Offer. There is also zero chance that he accepts it. If Boston is unable to get under the luxury tax, they would receive a fourth round pick for Betts, which is absolutely not enough. While there is a great deal of uncertainty, now is the time to make a final decision.
If Betts continues to refuse to entertain a discussion about an extension, they need to make a trade. Even as a rental, Betts would bring back a significant return in prospects, which would allow the Red Sox to jumpstart their rebuild. They may even be able to attach one of their own bad contracts to such a deal without damaging their return.
The Boston Red Sox obviously want to keep Mookie Betts. But if he will not engage in extension talks, this is the time to make a deal.