It’s just part of the business.

Mookie Betts’ contract with the Boston Red Sox expires after the 2020 season, and he is determined to test the market as a free agent. Some have speculated he’s unhappy in Boston or is looking for a change. Betts insists that is not the case.

“It’s completely wrong,” Betts told MassLive.com. “I’ve loved it here. I love the front office, my teammates, coaches, everybody. It’s been nothing but amazing here. Just because you go to free agency doesn’t mean you don’t want to be somewhere.”

Betts, the reigning American League MVP, wants to maximize his next deal in the open market where a plethora of lucrative offers will likely await him. Betts said it has nothing to do with his experience thus far in Boston.

“I’ve always said I loved it here,” Betts said. “It’s been amazing to me, my family. It’s like a home to me. It’s been all I know. And just because you exercise something in the business, that doesn’t mean I don’t like it.”

After winning 108 games en route to a World Series last year, the Red Sox have struggled all season. Fresh off of losing two out of three to the bottom-dwelling Orioles, Boston sits 10 games behind the division-leading Yankees and two games out of the wild card. Like his team, Betts has failed to recreate his 2018 form – through 99 games this season, the 26-year-old is hitting .282 with 15 home runs and 47 RBIs. His .875 OPS this season is a steep decline from his 1.078 mark last year.

Boston started a 14-game stretch on Monday night against the Rays and Yankees, the two teams ahead of them in the American League East, with a 9-4 win at Tropicana Field. How they fare in those 14 games will likely determine whether they are buyers or sellers at the July 31 trade deadline.

“Yes and no,” Betts answered when asked if he’s thought of getting dealt. “I think that’s a part of it. There’s nothing I can do about it. I have to go out and put on my uniform every day. And if that time comes, that time comes. But right now I’m here, and I’m enjoying my time here. It’s above my pay grade.”

Despite uncertainty over his future and an underwhelming season thus far, Betts has remained positive.

“I wouldn’t say I’m frustrated,” Betts said. “That’s just a part of the season. Last year was an amazing year. Just like I may not be able to have that type of MVP season every year, well, how many teams have amazing seasons like that every year? So this year has new challenges that we have to go about and accept it. It’s new challenges. It’s not necessarily frustrating. It’s just you kind of have to go about the hand that you’re dealt.”