Dodgers Rumors: Mookie Betts Close to Surprise Extension per NBC Sports Boston

File this one under things we did not expect to see this morning. The Dodgers are reportedly nearing a long-term deal to keep Mookie Betts in Los Angeles for a very long time. 

WEEI’s Lou Merloni, a Boston sports radio host, tweeted on Wednesday that Betts and the Dodgers are closing in on a huge deal. The reported deal is supposedly worth in the neighborhood of $350-$400 million. Merloni also insists that the deal is going to be for at least ten years. 

Sorry @Jared_Carrabis your dream scenario may come to an end within the next couple days, I’m told. Mookie will remain in LA for a very very long time. 10+ yrs for BIG $$. Between 350-400. @WEEI @OMFonWEEI

— Lou Merloni (@LouMerloni) July 22, 2020

NBC Sports Boston also picked up the story, so it could have some weight to it. Merloni isn’t a traditional sports reporter or even a guy that we’ve ever seen break news like this. He does however, have plenty of ties to Boston sports. If the Dodgers are indeed working on an extension for Mookie, it would have to be for more than his reported Red Sox offer.

Have heard Betts and Dodgers have been talking. @LouMerloni suggests they are getting close on a mega deal. https://t.co/P3hQ14ZE9R

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 22, 2020

Boston had offered Mookie an extension of worth $300 million before being treated to the Dodgers this year. Betts had turned down that offer, hoping to garner more in free agency. It would be strange that he chose to not test the market, but this year has also created a strange situation for players. It wouldn’t be that shocking to see Betts take the guaranteed money rather than roll the dice. 

The Dodgers trade Jeter Downs, Alex Verdugo, and Connor Wong to the Red Sox to get Mookie Betts in February. Based on this rumored news, it looks like they don’t want to make him a one-year rental. 

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