Mookie Betts could be the final piece needed for the Dodgers to finally claim their first World Series title since 1988. The Dodgers just hope they get more than one shot at it with the superstar outfielder.
Coming off 106 regular-season wins and a seventh straight NL West title, the Dodgers are again a title favorite after acquiring Betts from the Red Sox. Though the former AL MVP will be a free agent after the 2020 season — triggering the trade of the 27-year-old — the perennial contender is optimistic Betts will remain in Los Angeles for several seasons. Betts is set to make $27 million this year.
“We obviously know that his team control is up after 2020,” Dodgers President Andrew Friedman at Betts’ introductory press conference. “We’re hoping that he falls in love with the team, the city, the fans and wants to be here for a long time.”
Betts wouldn’t commit to his plans beyond this season, saying he “just got here,” is “focused on 2020” and has yet to even find somewhere to live.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Betts will hit in his customary leadoff spot. Alongside Cody Bellinger, Betts and the reigning NL MVP will be the first outfield duo since 1963 (Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris) each to have claimed MVPs in the past two seasons.
“It’s gonna be pretty special,” Betts said. “He’s definitely going to put on a show, and I’ll do my best to keep up with him.”
While Boston mourns the incomprehensible sequence of events that led the big-market team to trade away an all-time talent in his prime, David Price — traded to the Dodgers along with Betts and half of the $96 million remaining on Price’s current contract — wasn’t taken aback by it.
“I understand people being surprised by it, but I’ve done this for a long time,” said Price, the 34-year-old who is joining his fifth franchise.
“I’ve seen a lot of different moves, and if I put myself in that owner’s seat or that general manager’s seat, I can kind of wrap my head around it and understand what was going on, what they’re trying to do, which is sustainability and stuff along those lines. I know it’s tough for Red Sox nation to see Mookie leave. What he’s been able to do for them on the field, off the field — that’s tough.”
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