The Los Angeles Dodgers have seemingly been in the mix for every top free agent and trade target this winter, but to this point, they have not made any big moves.
L.A. struck out on all three of the big free agents – Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon – leaving them with very few remaining options if they want to add the top-tier talent that Andrew Friedman has alluded to on multiple occasions.
While the Dodgers seem focused on acquiring Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor, he seems less likely to be dealt after the Corey Kluber trade to the Texas Rangers. The Indians’ motive for dealing Lindor would be to save money, and they were able to accomplish that by unloading Kluber’s entire contract.
One other option that could be available for similar reasons is Mookie Betts. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers have been in talks with the Boston Red Sox about the star outfielder:
The Los Angeles Dodgers have engaged in exploratory trade talks with the Boston Red Sox about former MVP outfielder Mookie Betts, according to two officials with direct knowledge of the discussions.
Nightengale added that the Dodgers continue to be focused on Lindor, and Betts is more of a backup option:
The Dodgers’ top priority remains Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor, but if the two sides can’t agree on a package for the All-Star, the Dodgers could turn its attention to Boston.
Betts only has one year of club contract remaining before hitting free agency, so it would likely take less prospect capital to acquire him than Lindor, who has two years remaining.
The Dodgers have been reluctant to part with top prospect Gavin Lux in any trades, which is why no deals have come to fruition to this point. They have plenty of other quality prospects as well as Major League players that can facilitate a deal, it just comes down to what these teams are prioritizing as a return for the respective faces of their franchises.
Betts was the MVP of the American League in 2018, helping the Red Sox win a World Series. He then followed that up with another superb season in 2019, hitting .295/.391/.524 with 40 doubles, 29 home runs, 135 runs scored and 80 RBI. That production from the right side would certainly improve an already solid Dodgers lineup.
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