The Los Angeles Dodgers shocked the baseball world earlier this week, signing star outfielder Mookie Betts to a 12-year, $365 million extension.
This deal comes months after Los Angeles acquired Betts from the Boston Red Sox in a blockbuster trade. While most are happy for the former AL MVP, one high-profile figure in Boston is disappointed. Red Sox president Sam Kennedy said, via Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe:
“I’d be less than honest if I didn’t say a sense of disappointment and maybe closure and finality to it. Look, we have a plan. We are very confident in the direction of our baseball operation. But it’s obviously very hard to see Mookie Betts sign a long-term deal somewhere else.”
That’s definitely a stance to take. Although, it must be noted that negotiations between Betts and Boston’s front office did not go too swimmingly before the team dealt him to Los Angeles back in February.
Betts' extension is the second-largest contract in Major League Baseball history behind the 12-year, $426.5 million deal Mike Trout inked with the Los Angeles Angels back in March of 2019.
Betts will earn $30.42 million annually and received a record-breaking $65 million signing bonus. Set to become a free agent following the 2020 season, it makes sense that Betts would want to avoid the open market.
We have absolutely no idea how the financial ramifications that has come with the COVID-19-related economic downturn will affect free agency next winter.
In turn, the Dodgers ink a player many figure will be the face of the organization in Southern California for the next decade-plus.
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