In the Off Season - Should we consider Trading Mookie Betts?

[notin]

I know no one wants to mention this or think about it, but lets discuss this. If he isn't willing to re-sign, and I'm having my doubts, we almost have to trade him, right? Sale and Xander signed extensions, we have numerous other players locked up long term. I think Sox should offer Mookie a contract similar to Trout, if he says no, trade him for best available package. What do you guys think?

 

His 2018 WAR of 10.9 is tied for 21st on the list of single season WAR with Ted Williams's 1946 season. That was the highest ever registered by Williams.

 

Any analysis of Betts should start with WAR.

 

 

Then why did you start with 30-30?

[Bellhorn04]

Then why did you start with 30-30?

 

Are you in Mister Magoo mode today?

[notin]

You guys are right. There are plenty of people who by age 26 have multiple top 2 MVP finishes, including winning one, have gone 30/30, won a battling title, numerous silver sluggers and is arguably the best fielder in all of baseball.

 

He has the 8th best WAR in MLB history though his first 5 seasons behind only Trout, Pujols, Boggs, Jackie Robinson, Barry Bonds, Eddie Matthews, and Willie Mays. Decent company I guess.

 

Not sure if you guys are just taking him for granted because we watch him every day, and maybe “generational” was wrong word. But he’s off to one of best starts for a career in MLB HISTORY...

 

 

The cautionary tale is that in 2000, you could have made a similar post about Nomar Garciaparra, who, if not for a broken hamate bone, likely exceeds Betts’ WAR through his first 5 seasons. And afterwards was really never the same player again.

 

I know future injuries won’t be a factor when Betts’ contract time comes, but there is always the possibility of an equally tragic outcome. As Sox fans, we’ve seen two of the best players to come up in our farm system before Betts to become completely derailed by them. The Sox got lucky with Nomar, but even today fans still want Pedroia to retire because he’s sucking up precious cap room while failing to be the player he used to be...

[notin]

Are you in Mister Magoo mode today?

 

Boy, you really aren’t a Perfect Little Pacifist

[fxkatt]

When I think of the hitter I'd like to see at bat in a game on the line situation, it's JDM, not Mookie. In the OF, there's little question who can play the best. I'd want 3 players for Mookie . 2 MLB'er's about 24 years old, and a AAA prospect ready to play next year. An OF'er and 2 pitchers.

 

I agree about JDM. He's in the line of Ted Williams and David Ortiz. And should it come to having to trade Mookie, I do agree that the age and prowess of the returning players are critical to making the trade work. I do think Mookie's defense would be the bigger thing lost.

[Bellhorn04]

I agree about JDM. He's in the line of Ted Williams and David Ortiz. And should it come to having to trade Mookie, I do agree that the age and prowess of the returning players are critical to making the trade work. I do think Mookie's defense would be the bigger thing lost.

 

Losing Mookie's defense would hurt. Losing his offense would hurt even more.

[jad]

Wasn't April Fools Day yesterday?

[vegasbob]

Losing Mookie's defense would hurt. Losing his offense would hurt even more.

 

At the risk of small sample disease, there is the chance that Mookie's slump through his 62 AB's in the 2018 post season is still in effect(.210/.623, 1 HR/4rbi's) His stats after last year's All-Star game were certainly not bad, (.329/.995, 9HR/29 rbis)but couldn't compare favorably with his pre A-S numbers which were excellent (.359/1.139, 23HR/59rbis). Even ST showed a .238/.661 , 1 HR effort in 42 AB's

 

Don't know if fatigue last year, or something technical in his swing this year is holding him back, but the Sox need him back to his prior excellence.

[dgalehouse]

Vegas , your first sentence says it all . Small sample size . It amazes me that everyone is aware of small sample syndrome, but they still use it to make a case . Nobody , but nobody, can avoid the occasional dry spell . Look at the big picture. Mookie is the last guy to be worried about .

[Bellhorn04]

Vegas , your first sentence says it all . Small sample size . It amazes me that everyone is aware of small sample syndrome, but they still use it to make a case . Nobody , but nobody, can avoid the occasional dry spell . Look at the big picture. Mookie is the last guy to be worried about .

 

Well said Denny.

[dgalehouse]

Well said Denny.

 

Well , at least I got one right today .

[Thunder]

Wasn't April Fools Day yesterday?

 

Oh s***.... That clever bastard. This could have all been a prank

[Northern Star]

We should consider trading every player at every time so long as the price is right. Because you never know when an opportunity is going to present itself to improve the ballclub.

 

I know some of you will respond with "trading Mookie won't improve the ballclub" to which I refer you back to "so long as the price is right."

[Kimmi]

I know no one wants to mention this or think about it, but lets discuss this. If he isn't willing to re-sign, and I'm having my doubts, we almost have to trade him, right? Sale and Xander signed extensions, we have numerous other players locked up long term. I think Sox should offer Mookie a contract similar to Trout, if he says no, trade him for best available package. What do you guys think?

 

If it appears that the Sox will be unable to come to terms with Mookie, then absolutely yes we should consider trading him.

 

I am actually of the belief that we should consider trading him even if it does look like an extension can be worked out.

[Jasonbay44]

Does anybody have any examples of players around Mookie's age, with his resume being traded, and if so how did deal workout for both sides? I'm having trouble thinking of some examples.

[Bellhorn04]

We should consider trading every player at every time so long as the price is right. Because you never know when an opportunity is going to present itself to improve the ballclub.

 

I know some of you will respond with "trading Mookie won't improve the ballclub" to which I refer you back to "so long as the price is right."

 

I think notin may have been right when he said no team has ever really benefitted from trading a young superstar.

 

If you're really interested what you should try to do is construct a realistic trade. You have to figure out which team would do it (keeping in mind Mookie will make about $50 million over the 2 seasons), what they would be willing to give up, and whether that would be the 'right price' for us.

[Kimmi]

We should consider trading every player at every time so long as the price is right. Because you never know when an opportunity is going to present itself to improve the ballclub.

 

I know some of you will respond with "trading Mookie won't improve the ballclub" to which I refer you back to "so long as the price is right."

 

Amen brother NS.

 

Especially if it doesn't appear we can work out an extension, which Mookie seems unwilling to do.

 

Trade him and get a good haul for him.

 

There would still be the possibility of re-signing him as a free agent.

[Bellhorn04]

Does anybody have any examples of players around Mookie's age, with his resume being traded, and if so how did deal workout for both sides? I'm having trouble thinking of some examples.

 

Some of those trades would represent salary dumps, like Stanton.

[Northern Star]

I think notin may have been right when he said no team has ever really benefitted from trading a young superstar.

 

If you're really interested what you should try to do is construct a realistic trade. You have to figure out which team would do it (keeping in mind Mookie will make about $50 million over the 2 seasons), what they would be willing to give up, and whether that would be the 'right price' for us.

 

It's easy to sit here at a computer screen and throw out names. Obviously we don't know what players would be available as a return. I'm just saying that we should be open to any eventuality if it makes sense.

[Northern Star]

But a point you allude to is what is his realistic trade value, especially as a rental, since he seems intent on FA, and where most teams might prefer the latter to giving up talent AND a mega contract.

[SCM33]

Not to be a jerk, but exactly what has he accomplished that is nearly unheard of?

 

I actually agree with you.

 

Absolutely shop him around. They have nothing to lose, other than the player when he leaves following next year.

 

Mookie Betts is worthless if the Starting Pitchers cant stop allowing 7ER in less than 2 innings every night. Need more arms. Always need arms.

[Bellhorn04]

But a point you allude to is what is his realistic trade value, especially as a rental, since he seems intent on FA, and where most teams might prefer the latter to giving up talent AND a mega contract.

 

Exactly.

[Bellhorn04]

Absolutely shop him around. They have nothing to lose, other than the player when he leaves following next year.

 

Nothing to lose? Just 2 seasons of the second-best player in the game, with a team that's trying to win championships.

 

Also, the return you get might turn into suck.

[SCM33]

Does anybody have any examples of players around Mookie's age, with his resume being traded, and if so how did deal workout for both sides? I'm having trouble thinking of some examples.

 

There really aren't many examples, but also, this is a different time.

 

Jose Canseco 5/23.5 was a big number 30 years ago.......

Manny Ramirez 8/160 was a big number 20 years ago.....

 

These guys now, are asking for 1/2 a billion dollars. Its crazy, and they have sucked the fun out of being a fan. I havent gone to a game in a couple years, and to be honest, I dont know if I ever really want to go to another game. Not while my 15$ beer, 10$ hot dog and 8$ bottle of water are funding the whole greedy operation.

[SCM33]

Nothing to lose? Just 2 seasons of the second-best player in the game, with a team that's trying to win championships.

 

Also, the return you get might turn into suck.

 

They arent re-signing him. You can win with a couple ponies in the lineup, as long at your arms are horses.

 

Mookie Betts, is gone. Need to start realizing that now. Everyone else is getting their contracts. Betts and the Sox wont even sit down and talk after they insulted him last year. Its over.

[Bellhorn04]

They arent re-signing him. You can win with a couple ponies in the lineup, as long at your arms are horses.

 

Mookie Betts, is gone. Need to start realizing that now. Everyone else is getting their contracts. Betts and the Sox wont even sit down and talk after they insulted him last year. Its over.

 

Even if he isn't re-signing, you don't cut loose the second-best player in the game for two seasons when you're the Boston Red Sox. You need to realize that too.

[SCM33]

Even if he isn't re-signing, you don't cut loose the second-best player in the game for two seasons when you're the Boston Red Sox. You need to realize that too.

 

Im sorry, I wasn't clear. Next offseason, not during this season. That would tank the morale of the club.

[moonslav59]

Not to be a jerk, but exactly what has he accomplished that is nearly unheard of?

 

"Nearly unheard of?"

 

How about these 3 year totals:

 

.308 87 HRs and 82 SBs. I know, I know, that's been done many times, but how many times with 3 GGs along the way?

 

Still not convinced?

 

How about all this done before his 26th birthday?

 

My guess is this feat is very rare or "nearly unheard of."

 

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe it's happened "several" times.

[notin]

They arent re-signing him. You can win with a couple ponies in the lineup, as long at your arms are horses.

 

Mookie Betts, is gone. Need to start realizing that now. Everyone else is getting their contracts. Betts and the Sox wont even sit down and talk after they insulted him last year. Its over.

 

 

The good news for Betts is very few teams have a history of giving out huge contracts like the Red Sox, and even fewer GMs have a history of giving out mega contracts that rivals Dombrowski’s...

[notin]

I think notin may have been right when he said no team has ever really benefitted from trading a young superstar.

 

If you're really interested what you should try to do is construct a realistic trade. You have to figure out which team would do it (keeping in mind Mookie will make about $50 million over the 2 seasons), what they would be willing to give up, and whether that would be the 'right price' for us.

 

 

Well let’s start with my hypothetical. It might be a bit much for them to give up, but would you trade Betts for Corey Seager, Julio Urias, and Alex Verdugo?

 

Now typically these superstar trades involve prospects, but that’s because teams trading them are budget—conscious. Boston isn’t...