Dodgers: Mookie Betts Potential Trade Packages Examined by MLB Writers
In a recent column for MLB.com, David Adler, Thomas Harrigan, and Andrew Simon examine five separate trade proposals for Mookie Betts. They range from good to bad to ugly.
All signs point to the #Dodgers acquiring Mookie Betts and David Price this week.
Alex Verdugo
Caleb Ferguson
Jeter Downs
And maybe one more low level prospect.Will this make the #Dodgers World Series favorites?
— Steve Mason (@VeniceMase) February 4, 2020
The Betts sweepstakes have been said by numerous reports to be nearing their completion, but we still have not found a resolution yet. The Dodgers and the San Diego Padres are still very much involved in talks with the Boston Red Sox.
Proposal #1
Red Sox trade: Mookie Betts
Dodgers trade: Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs, Tony Gonsolin
This one will never happen in a million years. This is far too much prospect capital, years of control, and all that good stuff for a rental — even if that rental is Mookie Betts. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is notorious for hugging his prospects and while he might let go of a top-tier guy to acquire Betts, it won’t be three top-100 type prospects/young players.
According to Baseball Trade Values, the Dodgers would be relinquishing almost $90 million in value while Mookie Betts is worth just $50.7 million. Alex Verdugo by himself is worth $47.7 million. Years of control are extremely valuable and it seems like not many people realize it.
Proposal #2
Red Sox trade: Mookie Betts, David Price
Dodgers trade: Josiah Gray, Michael Busch, AJ Pollock, Joc Pederson
This one makes a bit more sense than the first proposal. It would hurt to lose Josiah Gray, who the Dodgers have turned into one of the best young pitching prospects in the league. It would hurt to lose first-round pick Michael Busch who could be in the big leagues sooner rather than later and has immense upside and a nice floor. Getting out of AJ Pollock’s deal is a boon, but taking on David Price negates that. Joc Pederson, a fan favorite, would be a shame to lose, but he gets crowded out if Betts comes aboard. It makes more sense.
According to Baseball Trade Values, the Dodgers would be giving up $15.2 million of value while the Red Sox would actually be giving up -$4.6 million. The kicker, though, is that the Dodgers would be acquiring the best player in the deal.
Overall
These deals could wind up similar to one that comes to fruition. Who knows. At this juncture, it almost seems as if no one does.
NEXT: MLB Fans See Mookie in LA over Boston and San Diego
For Betts, you could give up Verdugo alone. No Downs. And certainly not Gonsolin. Maybe one or two other bottom tier players.
For David Price and Betts, I’d give up even less, since Price is an overpriced salary dump. I’d give up Pollack just to get rid of him. Maybe Busch. Not Pederson or Gray. And I think the Sox should still pay part of Price’s outrageous salary. Maybe another bottom tier player.
The Dodgers are not in desperation mode. They have a good team that will get into the postseason
The Sox are in desperation mode. They need to get under the luxury tax threshold. Their clubhouse is in disarray from Cora firing. More penalties should be on their way, if Manfred will man up. Don’t give away the farm to a team already in a weak position. If the Padres want to throw more money away, let them.