Mookie Betts, the Boston Red Sox All-Star outfielder, will earn $27 million in 2020. It will be his third and final year of salary arbitration. After the 2020 season ends, he will become a free agent and that’s the route he wants to navigate. He has expressed little interest in a contract extension. What do the New York Mets have to do with all of this? Let’s explain the situation.
The Red Sox, in their attempt to cut payroll, are trying to trade Betts. Conversations with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres about a deal are reportedly heating up.
The thing is that any team that acquires Betts this season via trade may not sign him to an extension. Again, the formidable outfielder wants to test the free agent waters in the winter. That’s why Boston hasn’t been able to swing a deal: there are differences in valuation between the parties. No team would want to give up the farm for one year of a player, no matter how good he is. He might be traded anyway, but he will still likely enter free agency.
Would the numbers work for the Mets?
And, since Betts is slated to enter the market after this season, the New York Mets may be a desirable destination for him. Would there be interest in Queens? It is, clearly, too early to know for sure.
The Texas Rangers have a clear opening and more payroll flexibility to go after Betts in the winter. The Dodgers are a natural fit, as are the Padres. The Red Sox could trade him and still re-sign him before the 2021 season.
It is an unlikely scenario for him to join the Mets, since they already have a mammoth contract for several more years: Robinson Cano will earn $24 million each of the next four seasons. Jacob deGrom is also on the books for a $23 million salary in 2020, then he will earn $33.5 million in 2021 and 2022 and $30.5 in 2023, with a 2024 club option for $32.5 million.
There will be arbitration raises to consider, as well. But it could be possible. It shouldn’t be completely dismissed.
The good thing is that the Mets will have some salary off the books after this season. Jed Lowrie’s $11.5 million will be up after the season, as will Yoenis Cespedes’ complicated contract ($6 million, $11 million if he makes the opening day roster and several escalators and bonuses.) Jake Marisnick will also be a free agent, as will Marcus Stroman, Rick Porcello, Justin Wilson and Michael Wacha.
Performance-wise, there is no question that Betts would fit in like a glove with the Mets. He could play center field and fill it to perfection. His .301/.374/.519 sums up all of his offensive traits: a contact hitter with power and patience. He has MVP pedigree, he is an elite fielder, he is a winner, and he is a highly competitive athlete that excells at multiple sports. Although it’s not a given, Betts could age gracefully and is among the best candidates for a long-term investment.
The New York Mets should, at the very least, entertain the possibility.