Dodgers, Red Sox discussing trade for superstar Mookie Betts

Bob Nightengale | USA TODAY

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have engaged in exploratory trade talks with the Boston Red Sox about former MVP outfielder Mookie Betts, according to two officials with direct knowledge of the discussions.

The officials spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the talks publicly.

The Dodgers’ top priority remains Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor, but if the two sides can’t agree on a package for the All-Star, the Dodgers could turn its attention to Boston.

The Red Sox are much more inclined to trade Betts – who’s projected to earn $27-30 million in his final year before free agency – than Cleveland is with Lindor. The Red Sox, who had baseball’s highest payroll at $244 million, and will pay $13 million in luxury tax penalties, want to slash their payroll to be under the $208 million tax threshold in 2020.

Betts has a 39.7 bWAR since 2015, second in baseball over the past five seasons, trailing only Mike Trout. He won the American League MVP award in 2018, batting .346 with a 1.078 OPS, 32 home runs and 30 steals as the Red Sox went on to win the World Series

The 27-year-old is one of the best defensive outfielders in the game, winning Gold Glove awards each of the past four seasons.

Los Angeles has included shortstop Corey Seager in trade talks with Boston and Cleveland, but are much more reluctant to part with prized prospect Gavin Lux, their shortstop of the future. Potential trade partners also covet Dodgers catcher Will Smith, who impressed as a rookie in 2019, hitting 15 homers with 42 RBI in 54 games.

The Dodgers outfield has been mix-and-match for years, but NL MVP Cody Bellinger is the only outfielder with an everyday spot locked down, despite A.J. Pollock signing a five-year, $60 million contract last winter. If Los Angeles was to acquire Betts, the club could turn around and flip other outfielders like Alex Verdugo or Joc Pederson.