3 Reasons Mookie Betts Trade Actually Makes Sense for the Red Sox
By Mark Powell
While it signals the end of an era in Boston, deep down every Red Sox fan knew a Mookie Betts trade was coming. That doesn't make the actual knowledge that Betts is no longer on the roster any easier to cope with, but as this news sinks in, it becomes all the more obvious that Boston made the right choice. There is no 'winning' a Mookie Betts trade. However, given the circumstances, the Red Sox did the best they could.
3. Adding David Price to Deal
David Price's albatross of a contract is off the books, even though Boston will have to pay some of it moving forward. Price was trending downward, as any statistician can tell you. As tough as it is to trade a player of Betts' caliber, getting rid of Price makes this at least a partial win for the Red Sox, who now have the financial freedom to invest in this roster in the years to come.
2. Rebuild the Farm System
Alex Verdugo and Brusdar Graterol are a solid prospect return for a Boston system which is lacking at the moment. The Red Sox surely see how the rival Yankees were able to retool in short order thanks to the farm system and would like to replicate that process. Verdugo and Graterol are a good start.
1. Mookie Wasn't Going to Re-Sign
The Red Sox weren't going to re-sign Betts. It's that simple. Once the front office made that decision, trading Betts for premium value became their top priority. To make matters worse, just about the entire MLB community knew Boston's intentions. With all that in mind, this trade -- netting two potential future stars -- isn't as bad as some might think.