These Mookie Betts talks are surely heating up. The Dodgers and the San Diego Padres appear to be the current front-runners to acquire his services. Reporters continue to add more fuel to the fire as Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic recently stated that the Padres were the front-runners to land Betts, but that the Dodgers could swoop in and take him with ease.
Now, Buster Olney of ESPN is adding fuel to the fire. On Wednesday, Olney responded to a Twitter reply asking about the Dodgers’ chances of acquiring Mookie Betts. The long-time reporter is very reputable and does not typically respond to messages like this:
8.5
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 29, 2020
An 8.5 is a very high number. Personally, I do not believe their chances are that high, but Olney is very plugged in with many front offices because of his extensive tenure, so he is likely hearing chatter that makes him believe that. He would know better than most.
Earlier this month — just after Boston let manager Alex Cora go — chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said he fully expects Betts to be on the opening day roster for the Red Sox. However, with reports coming in that the 2018 All-Star rejected a contract extension from Boston, it appears likely that he wants out and it could be to Los Angeles.
Could Betts be traded some time in February before spring training begins? It should be noted that Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman did allude to the fact that the club is likely not done looking to improve ahead of the 2020 campaign.
The potential lineup with Mookie Betts in tow would be outstanding (it already is) and the outfield defense would become even more wild. The Dodgers have a chance to make a gargantuan move here and the time to strike is now.
