Will Addition of Betts Put the Dodgers Over the Top?

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After much anticipation and grimacing by Boston Red Sox fans, the hammer finally dropped on All-Star OF Mookie Betts being traded away from the Red Sox in what can only be termed as a salary dump. Much to the chagrin of the rest of Major League Baseball, Betts will be joining the Los Angeles Dodgers after a three team blockbuster deal.

Here’s the fallout from the deal. Betts and former Cy Young Award winner David Price will be going to the Dodgers from Boston and pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol (who was originally going TO Boston) and outfielder Luke Raley going to the Dodgers from the Twins.  The Red Sox will receive talented outfielder Alex Verdugo, SS prospect Jeter Downs and catcher/outfielder Connor Wong from the Dodgers. In this final iteration of the trade, top pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol will be going from the Minnesota Twins to the Dodgers. For the Twins part, they will be getting veteran starting pitcher Kenta Maeda and catcher Jair Camago (and cash) from the Dodgers. As part of the deal, the Red Sox are also expected to cover a little more than 50% of the remaining $96 million on Price’s current contract over the next three years with $10 million of that being passed on to the Twins. This trade is the kind of news that will have a profound effect on fans and people who enjoy sports betting in the USA, apuestas deportivas USA for Spanish speakers.

Based on this trade alone, the Dodgers are expected to be overwhelming favorites to win the National League Pennant, plus the 2020 World Series title. This is clearly a win now move, considering Betts goes to the Dodgers with only one year remaining on his current contract. With the Red Sox clearly not interested in paying Betts a major contract deal after the end of the 2020 season, this was the team’s best opportunity to make sure they get value from his impending departure. For the Dodgers, deep pockets will give them options at the end of the upcoming season.

Win Now for the Dodgers

It’s been 31 years since the Dodgers have brought a World Series title to the “City of Angels.” After losing in the World Series in 2017 (lost to Houston Astro) and 2018 (lost to Red Sox) and subsequently losing to the Washington Nationals in last year’s NL title series, the pressure is on for the Dodgers to finally get over the hump. As the American League’s MVP in 2018, Betts brings another explosive bat to Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine.

It’s noteworthy that over the past 5 years, Betts has recorded a 39.7 WAR, which trails only Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels) in that time frame. The mark also stands almost 9 WAR clear of the next position player.

While Betts originally came up as a second baseman, it’s a good bet he will be standing out in right field alongside reigning NL MVP Cody Bellinger, who stands in center field. The Dodgers’ batting lineup will likely feature Betts batting first or second with Bellinger occupying the third spot ahead of third baseman Justin Turner, who will likely bat cleanup.

The Dodgers are betting the $27 million they will pay Betts in 2020 will finally bring home a World Series title. If not, the Dodgers might find themselves facing a salary dump of its own in 2021.