Mookie Betts reportedly nearing extension with Los Angeles Dodgers
It appears that Mookie Betts may not get to test free agency after all, as he is reportedly close to a long term extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
When Mookie Betts was acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers, it was a sign that they continued to be all-in on breaking their championship drought. The Dodgers had been close in past years, but never quite able to get that final victory needed to bring the title back. The acquisition of Betts, and David Price for that matter, was meant to be that final move needed.
Scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season, Betts was considered a possible rental who would test the free agency waters next year. That will not be the case, as he is reportedly close to signing a 13 year, $380+ million extension to remain in Los Angeles.
Including 2020, the new deal is expected to keep Mookie Betts in a Dodger uniform for 13 years at more than $380 million.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 22, 2020
The Red Sox had been backed into a corner when it came to Betts. He had rebuffed their extension offers, stating his preference to enter free agency. Betts had also felt insulted by the Red Sox initial attempt, and was determined to get every cent possible out of the franchise before entering the open market. The trade had to happen.
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For the Dodgers, a long term deal had to take place as well. While the package sent to Boston may have been disappointing for Red Sox fans, the idea of having Betts for just a 60 game schedule could not have sat well with the front office. He was the prize for taking on Price, arguably the best player in the game for getting a bad fit out of Boston.
Betts may well prove to be a bargain at that price. Over his six years in the majors, he has produced a .301/.374/.519 batting line, hitting 229 doubles and 139 homers while stealing 129 bases. He has been a four time All Star and the 2018 AL MVP while winning four Gold Gloves.
There are some details that need to be worked out. Payments would have to be structured based on when fans can be in attendance once more. Any potential deferrals, based on those attendance questions, would need to be determined. But at this point, it seems to just be a matter of the Dodgers and Betts’ representatives finalizing those details before the extension is announced.
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So much for Mookie Betts’ sojourn into free agency. The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of making certain that does not happen.