Boston Red Sox return for Mookie Betts keeps getting worse
The Boston Red Sox decision to trade Mookie Betts was not popular when it happened. It has gotten even worse in the two years since.
Yes, the Red Sox were able to get rid of David Price and his albatross of a contract in that deal. However, the return – Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs, and Connor Wong – was considered to be underwhelming at best.
Boston Red Sox walk away from key piece in Mookie Betts trade
Verdugo has been a steady enough piece in the Red Sox outfield, but is not even close to being in Betts’ class. Wong has intrigue as a backup catcher and a possible utility man but that is his ceiling. It was Downs, a former top 100 prospect prior to 2020 and 2021, that was supposed to be the key piece in that trade, a future star in Boston.
That was not meant to be. Downs had a horrendous showing in his brief time in Boston last year, notching six hits, albeit with a double and a homer, in his 41 plate appearances while striking out 21 times. This followed two very disappointing seasons at Triple-A where he posted a miserable .193/.292/.368 batting line in his 740 plate appearances. He did show his potential as he hit 30 homers and stole 36 bases, but his 230 strikeouts limited his ability to make an impact.
If Downs is going to make an impact in the majors, it is not likely to be with the Red Sox. Chris Cotillo from MassLive.com reported that Downs was designated for assignment to make room on the 40 man roster for Masataka Yoshida. Since he is just 24 years old and has that former top prospect pedigree, it would not be a surprise for another team to take a chance on him.
Downs’ failures at the major and minor league level, and subsequent release, make the Betts trade look even worse. The Red Sox failed to get anything close to even an All Star caliber player for one of the best players in the game. This move just adds more fuel to the fire for those who are fed up with Chaim Bloom and the direction of the organization.
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The Boston Red Sox have designated Jeter Downs, the key piece in the Mookie Betts trade, for assignment. That trade keeps getting worse.