After a winter of speculation, it finally happened, just a week before spring training: The Red Sox will trade star outfielder Mookie Betts, 27, and pitcher David Price, 34, to the Dodgers for outfielder Alex Verdugo, pending medical reviews. As part of the deal, pitcher Kenta Maeda will head to the Twins, who will send right-hander Brusdar Graterol to Boston.



Betts, who debuted with Boston in 2014, is a four-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner. In 2018, he led the league in runs and slugging percentage, won a batting title and received the AL MVP Award in addition to winning to a World Series ring. Last season, Betts again led the league in runs, and over the past three seasons, he has been worth more wins above replacement than any player other than Mike Trout. He will be a free agent after the 2020 season, and the Red Sox were unable to sign him to an extension.



The Athletic’s MLB Boston, L.A. and Minnesota writers offer their initial thoughts on...