Mookie Betts: Trade or Extend

[jacksonianmarch]

So now that DD is gone, I think the writing is on the wall for Betts. I think the likelihood is he is dealt. But heck, I could be wrong. A lot will be determined by the type of GM acquired to run the show. If you get someone from a smaller market, then the likelihood is that you're rebuilding.

Previously, I threw out the idea that the Sox trade with the Mets to get some pitching plus Nimmo in the OF. With the fact that DD is gone, I think the sox will shoot lower in terms of level but higher in terms of upside. Maybe a 1 for 5 and get at least one premium prospect with the other 4 having big league upsides. The suitor list will be long and the fact that Betts is on a 1 yr deal should make it better for those who would be scared away by his pricetag. One team who is a dark horse for Betts is the Reds. They made some deals with the intent of being contenders next year. With Bauer on his last year and all the talent they brought in, I wouldn't be surprised to see them offer something big. Heck, maybe you get Hunter Greene coming off TJS plus others for him? With Puig gone, they will need OFers

[notin]

It's too early to tell.

There are pros and cons to both scenarios, and i think i will have a slightly clearer picture when some front office dust settles. If the Sox bring in some farm-building type, he is probably gone. But until we know who is running the team.

The Sox do still have a strong lineup core in Bogaerts, Devers, Martinez, and Benintendi, and are not likely to find taked for Price, Sale and Eovaldi. They might keep Betts, hope 2020 works out better, and then re-sign him. But it also depends on what one year of an MVP is worth to other teams, as well..

[Bellhorn04]

There are actually 4 scenarios:

1) Extend this offseason.
2) Trade this offseason.
3) Trade at deadline.
4) Keep and try to re-sign as free agent.

[notin]

There are actually 4 scenarios:

1) Extend this offseason.
2) Trade this offseason.
3) Trade at deadline.
4) Keep and try to re-sign as free agent.

1) is unlikely, but we can't deny it exists.
3) means less in return, as it is just straight up Mookie for a half season. Dealing him this off-season means the Sox can get more back, as they are dealing Mookie and a draft pick when he rejects to QO.

If you're going to deal Betts, do it right.

[dgalehouse]

I think the Sox have to make every effort to retain Betts . He is a special player . A true five tool player . A franchise player . It will cost plenty , but sometimes you just have to do it .

[Bellhorn04]

3) means less in return, as it is just straight up Mookie for a half season. Dealing him this off-season means the Sox can get more back, as they are dealing Mookie and a draft pick when he rejects to QO.

But is that guaranteed?

The Orioles are not exactly a model organization these days, but I have to think they had some legitimate reasons for dealing Machado at the deadline instead of in the offseason.

[jacksonianmarch]

They were delirious enough to think they were competing. This was coming off the signings of Cobb and Cashner

[jacksonianmarch]

I think the Reds are your target. They also have some really solid prospects with Greene, Lodolo and India. I’d call them on Nov 1 and ask for 2 of the 3.

[Slasher9]

There are actually 4 scenarios:

1) Extend this offseason.
2) Trade this offseason.
3) Trade at deadline.
4) Keep and try to re-sign as free agent.

2..

[notin]

But is that guaranteed?

The Orioles are not exactly a model organization these days, but I have to think they had some legitimate reasons for dealing Machado at the deadline instead of in the offseason.

They tried to deal Macado before the season, but apparently did not get any offers they liked It is possible they wanted the moon plus. Reportedly, Dombrowski was trying to acquire him, no idea with what.

They didn't do so bad at the deadline, and while they got 4 players all ranked in their top 26 by Fangraphs, only one had a FV above 45, and that was Yusniel Diaz (their #2) at 50...

[notin]

I think the Reds are your target. They also have some really solid prospects with Greene, Lodolo and India. I’d call them on Nov 1 and ask for 2 of the 3.

But can the Reds squeeze a $25mill salary?

They would certainly like to move India, as they are loaded at 3B.

If they Sox do move Betts, the Dodgers are another prime option, especially if they lose their 3rd straight WS this year, or don't make it that far at all. That would make them an organization with a sense of urgency and desperation...

[moonslav59]

There are actually 4 scenarios:

1) Extend this offseason.
2) Trade this offseason.
3) Trade at deadline.
4) Keep and try to re-sign as free agent.

The worst is: keep, don't sign and just get a comp pick.

[moonslav59]

If we reset, and more and more people are starting to think 2020 will be the year, then we need to decide between 2 choices:

1) Extend or sign Betts as part of the long term rebuild.

2) Trade this winter for young and near MLB talent as part of a 2-3 year rebuild plan.

If the answer is #2, then others should be dealt, too. Everyone not under team control of in our long term plans beyond 2021 or 2022. (Basically, only Devers, Bogey and Beni would be lock keepers, not counting kids like DHern.)

[notin]

If we reset, and more and more people are starting to think 2020 will be the year, then we need to decide between 2 choices:

1) Extend or sign Betts as part of the long term rebuild.

2) Trade this winter for young and near MLB talent as part of a 2-3 year rebuild plan.

If the answer is #2, then others should be dealt, too. Everyone not under team control of in our long term plans beyond 2021 or 2022. (Basically, only Devers, Bogey and Beni would be lock keepers, not counting kids like DHern.)

Or plan 3.

Trade Betts this offseason and reset. Bring Mookie back after 2020 and continue like before, but without the exploding pitching staff..

[moonslav59]

Or plan 3.

Trade Betts this offseason and reset. Bring Mookie back after 2020 and continue like before, but without the exploding pitching staff..

I'd love that and wanted that with Lester and Andrew Miller, but it may be a long shot.

If we do trade Betts with the idea of spending big in 2021 and getting competitive again really quick, then we might as well trade a bunch of other players, too. Even ones we may re-sign in 2021 or 2022.