Mookie Betts trade is now ‘not a certainty’
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Following a report Wednesday night that Brusdar Graterol’s physical is giving the Red Sox pause, the Mookie Betts mega-deal between the Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins is “not a certainty” according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
Red Sox are said to be trying to reconfigure the part of the Betts 3-team deal with the Twins (meaning more than Graterol). While there’s still hope the mega deal gets done in some form, some involved are now suggesting it’s not a certainty.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 7, 2020
According to Heyman, the process of re-working the deal has been a slow one. The Red Sox now want an additional prospect, but the Dodgers have reportedly been against moving their top three guys since the negotiations began. That leaves the Red Sox and Twins to figure something out.
Talks will continue today between at least the Red Sox and Twins. But while there’s obvious urgency here and all 3 teams are motivated to complete the Mookie mega deal, movement has been slow. Boston is niw believed looking for a 2nd top prospect in addition to Graterol.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 7, 2020
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported Thursday night that one option could be the Red Sox and Dodgers cutting the Twins out of the deal, and looking for another third team to contribute prospects. Given how long it took the three original teams to work this trade out, it’s not unrealistic to thing this could drag into Spring Training if a new party is introduced.
Talks between #MNTwins and #RedSox to resolve differences over value of right-hander Brusdar Graterol going slowly, sources tell The Athletic. One alternative is for #Dodgers to acquire prospect from another club to help bridge gap. Story from earlier: https://t.co/ZtX8TdUGJ7
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 7, 2020
Add the problems surrounding the Betts trade to the whirlwind of issues facing the Red Sox before Spring Training, including a last-minute hire at manager and pending penalties from MLB. Spring Training officially begins on Feb. 11.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Hate mail? Let him hear it on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].
