6:05PM: Nearing the finish line. The medicals are done and it appears as if all we’re waiting on is approval from the league, per the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier. Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com adds that the players are being notified. In his words: “That’s usually a final step.”
4:42PM: The Dodgers and Red Sox have once again agreed to a trade that will send outfielder Mookie Betts and lefty David Price to the Dodgers, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The Red Sox will include $48MM to cover half of the remaining salary on David Price’s contract. In this updated version of the deal, Alex Verdugo, minor league shortstop Jeter Downs, and catching prospect Connor Wong comprise the package heading to Boston. If we haven’t learned our lesson, the deal is pending medical reviews.
This trade will be accompanied by a separate agreement between the Dodgers and Twins that will send Kenta Maeda to Minnesota in exchange for right-hander Brusdar Graterol, with other pieces involved. Those players were involved in the first iteration of the megadeal, which is now two distinct trades between the same three teams. Notably, Graterol will now join the Dodgers, whereas he was previously destined for Boston.
The revised deal comes several days after the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Twins agreed in principle to a three-team trade of a similar complexion. That deal, of course, was held up by the Red Sox’ concerns over Graterol’s medical records. That saga reached a dramatic point yesterday, when the Twins’ pessimism about their end of the deal created a major roadblock in the path towards a completed trade.
Instead, the Red Sox get a pair of prospects along with their new starting right fielder in exchange for Betts while getting out from under half of the $96MM owed to David Price. Downs could be the heir apparent to Dustin Pedroia at second base. Connor Wong also slots into a position group of relatively weakness for the Red Sox’ system. With the financial savings, Boston should have no trouble accomplishing their goal of skirting the luxury tax as well.
Francys01
I don’t like this trade much but the Red Sox knows what they are doing. I would have asked for more, a former MVP and a player that is difficult to replace in that lineup.
johnrealtime
Since there are plenty of comments saying that each side got hosed, I’d say it’s a pretty fair deal
looiebelongsinthehall
This is now old news, if the salary now fits, bring Holt back to Boston.
luckyh
and play him where?
phillesfan07
He is a utility guy he plays everywhere esentually
AtlSoxFan
Unless holt is adding a new position, pitcher, to his list of accomplishments there’s a bigger hole to fill…
luckyh
They have already replaced him. I am surprised he is still out there though. Solid player and great teammate.
luckyh
They have already replaced him. I am surprised he is still out there though. Solid player and great teammate.
looiebelongsinthehall
2B to start. Peraza is not the answer as a starter and he can get his ABs like in the past, filling in everywhere.
looiebelongsinthehall
What pitcher Will you get at this point that would also prevent Holt from coming back?
AtlSoxFan
I don’t know why everyone thinks boston has money to burn right now.
Mookie saved 27.7 and price saved 16. Thats 43.7m
Spotrac put boston about 41m over cbt once benefits etc were added in.
Once you deduct the $1m it’ll cost to put two guys onto the 40 man in place of price/betts then boston is about 2m under cbt right now.
You need to make more moves – cut jbj to save 8m (pay the prorated portion of his nonguaranteed deal) or something to sign anyone. Or you make another trade.
Either way, there doesnt appear to be money. if you were dumping mookie/price to get under cbt you stay there.
parx
The Red Sox just became the 4th place team in that division, may as well let Pereza start since the blue jays are now added to the rays and yanks as teams that will blow the doors off the Boston cheap owners
Melonhead111
I may be mistaken Altsoxfan but can the Sox cut JBJ and recover that prorated portion of his salary after spring training if he was signed outside the actual arbitration process? I remember thinking to myself that it was Odd that they didn’t go to arbitration as a precaution of failing to find a suitable trading partner. Of course the collective bargaining agreement has changed so many times (and I can’t find it on line at present) I may very well be mistaken.
fieldsj2
Peraza is legit! He had a slow start last year and Bell never gave him the chance to recover. 2018 wasnt a fluke, Peraza is a solid player with great speed
uknotro
Jose peraza took that role
uknotro
Holt is not the answer as a starter either. I’d rather have peraza starting tbh. They’ll swing a deal for a serviceable starter or they’re banking on Jeter downs coming up towards the second half to play 2B
deweybelongsinthehall
JBJ is the next to go and Holt should be back along with a cheap right handed OFer. Sox are not starting an all lefty OF most nights nor is JDM playing out there more than half the time if anywhere near that
uknotro
There are so many details to the cbt. For example it isn’t based on annual salary, but players average annual salary. Here’s a great article breaking it down… google.com/amp/s/www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-lu…
GMB 883
This is incorrect. With this deal the Red Sox will have about$17M to $18M to spend. They are well under the CBT. Remember they did not sign Porcello and they traded Lugo’s $4M and they did not sign Holt’s $5M etc. they signed Perez, Peraza and Moreland $2.5M but it’s a big savings. They have some good flexibility now.
Mlb1971
Moron
williemaysfield
I believe 40 man spots are only 100k and 25 man spots are league minimum which is around 550k.
emac22
Exactly!
Not every team can afford to win.
Sox fans are making the right call and learning to focus on the tax threshold as the only finish line they’re likely to be playing for in the future.
Doug_Bond
I mean, sure, if you actually think the Sox aren’t tanking, but they very clearly are. There is zero reason for any Sox fan to see this as anything else.
They’re in “tank and rebuild” mode. Get used to it. At least they were smart enough to see it coming, unlike the Astros.
nowheretogobutup
Dodgers came out better, no doubt, Sox are dumping high salaries and good players
Jim Emmons
Player wise, sure. Any trade that brings you Betts you have to consider you the winner.. As to he players they sent: Will verdugo be the player everyone hoped? Probably. Will Downs be? Maybe. Wong? Who knows? And will Brusdar Graterol be as good as everyone hopes. Probably, as LA can use him as a reliever as well as a started later on if he is sound. He’s only 21-22.
gleybertorres25
Yeah but Betts is a rental
reneaguerra
How many trams can gove betts 375 million +
ChiSox_Fan
White Sox will get Betts for 2021 season!
leftyleftylefty
omggggg lol
leftyleftylefty
you love drugs lol
hitdog
I love your optimism.
keysox
No – Betts will be a FA. After a WS win. No to Betts
Jim Emmons
one would have to assume, after all the effort, that LA plans to sign him as a FA.. The risk is you never know what some other team is willing to spend (then have a fire sale in a couple of years, like they usually do)
prov356
The Dodgers are taking Betts with the hopes that he puts them over the top in 2020 for a WS win, then in the hopes of an extension some time during the season. That’s my opinion of course, but I think a reasonable assessment.
lowtalker1
Yet they won’t get to the World Series. They pitching is still weak compared to 2017/2018. It was weak last year as well.
dave13
Betts has stated countless times he is going to free agency. It’s a well known fact so unless the Dodgers offer 12 years 420 million he will not sign an extension during the season
jimthegoat
They aren’t hoping for an extension. Betts has said multiple times that he isn’t doing that. This trade is about 2020 and 2020 alone.
claude raymond
Maeda was probably their best reliever
dball1
Dodgers had best Pitching in MLB (Statistically) last year.
However, they have lost Ryu, Hill, Maeda and Stripling
Strike Four
Isnt the whole reason Betts is getting traded in the first place is because he has stated he is absolutely hitting the FA market?
phillesfan07
OK and they are getting a very controllable one in Graderol and they hep a desperite Twins team
amjr
Anyone saying the Dodgers pitching is weak, remember they still have a great farm system and are positioned to obtain a front line pitcher by the trading deadline. Stay tuned. They’re going for it this year and aren’t done trading yet.
whimsy
Dodgers ranking in pitching stats for MLB last year. I agree that their relief corps needs addressed on the back end but I suppose they’re expecting Jansen to get back on track to his elite level.
Starters
ERA- 1st
Shutouts- 1st
Quality starts- 5th
BAA- 2nd
OPS Against- 1st
Relievers
ERA- 4th
BAA- 2nd
OPS Against- 2nd
SV%- 18th
Ejemp2006
Dodgers have proven they have the system for maximizing the potential of their starting pitchers. Believe after seeing tons of evidence.
Price will be Grienke 2.0
Dodgers Yankees WS. Dodgers in 7. Betts walk off double.
Dustin27
Pitching is weak?? Buehler,Kershaw,price,Urías, may, Wood,Nelson,Gonsolin! You are obviously not that smart!!!
bravesfan88
The Dodgers pitching is weak??
You mean the same Dodgers that have one of the best young starters in baseball in Walker Buehler atop their rotation. He is followed by one of the most effective pitchers over the past two decades in Clayton Kershaw, who despite all the negative reviews from fans still had an awesome year last season.
Then, following those two All-Stars, they will further have three more young studs in Urias, Gonsolin, and the Red Rocket in Dustin May, who is only 22, and has shown he can be a force moving forward..All three of those younger pitchers have already established themselves as successful pitchers at the ML level, and it is more likely than not, they can still improve upon their already impressive starts to their respective careers..
Next, they will have the reliable and steady presence of David Price, while making the switch to the NL, and now facing the NL West, instead of the AL East primarily, he should also see a resurgence of sorts. Before having to deal with an injury, he was actually pitching extremely well last year. Regardless, having Price as your #3-#4 SP is pretty impressive. Add in the fact that he is arguably their 5th or 6th most talented SP, and that is just some absurd depth, and that isn’t even including two other possible options.
Speaking of the other two guys, you have to factor in they will also have two former fringe #2-#4 guys battling back from injuries in Jimmy Nelson and Alex Wood..When both were healthy, they were very effective starters, and could provide some excellent depth, even if they only act as long relief options out of the pen. This is the case especially for Wood, because when he has been healthy, he has been a rock star against LHH. He could be a huge weapon out of their pen, if he doesn’t start or perform in a long relief capacity.
Finally, they could have Graterol as a SP option, but either way, they still have three more promising SP prospects in Gray, Santana, and White among others further away in the minors…
If the Dodgers pitching is weak, then good lord, the rest of the NLs rotations must be pure hot garbage!!
thetruth 2
They’re not getting an ace.
Jim Emmons
When they finished 21 games out in front. That weak pitching.?That led the league in ERA.
Jim Emmons
Agreed, but are the willing to out bid every other team who need him more – they think
MrAngelFan
Yes, but the Dodgers are one of the few teams that can sign him next year.
jimthegoat
@MrAngelFan that doesn’t make the trade better. It makes it worse.
hiflew
So is every other player. No player is permanently owned. That would be slavery.
Maurice Lock
No idea why the Cardinals weren’t going after Betts?
Never mind, I just remembered who is running the team.
cards81
If you don’t know why then that says more about you than who is running the team lol
herecomethephillies2018
If you don’t understand clear sarcasm then that says more about you than it does about him.
claude raymond
The first sentence alone is sarcasm. But the second sentence indicates a criticism that cards81 responded to. Ur lack of reading comprehension, HereCome, is apparent
brewsingblue82
The Red Sox got what they wanted though. They got prospects, salary relief, and out from under the Price contract. If they’d of tried for any more, they might have even scared the dodgers out of it. I’m just hoping this time the Medicaid just go through and it can be over with already
bravesfan88
Is that how far Graterol’s stock has fallen?!? Jesus, now, they are talking about Medicaid packages???
Jim Emmons
More than got what they wanted, they got what they needed
.
oldmanblue
Dude you got way to much!
davidkaner
Hilarious that you think they know what they are doing. He’s a first time GM who just traded away a future HOF player & he might not even go in as a Red Sox. It’s the worst compensation since the Tigers fleeced Florida for future HOF Miguel Cabrera.
mcase7187
You’re 100% right except the HOF talk they needed pitching prospects and got none they got 2 guys that will do nothing for them in the long run I really hope this will be the only and last trade Bloom makes fir the sox
Ya all you clowns are going to say “he’s a free agent at the end of the season” ya that’s true but it also gets you a leg up on 30 other teams well the sox get players who may not ever make it to the big leagues and a player who had a ok first full season not really
Bad play by the sox they probably could have gotten something better at the trade deadline to a team that needs that one player to push them over the top
Mlb1971
It seems most commenters forget Mookie will NOT be on the Red Sox in 2021 even if the Red Sox did not make this trade!
Rob Mason
5 years of Verdugo > 1 year of Betts
Doug Anderson
You think? I’ve not seen him play a ton, but is much more than slightly above replacement level?
dodgerfan
IMO when Verdugo went down last year, that’s when the chances of the Dodgers winning the WS came to an end. He’s a very solid player but I’m still excited to see Betts play everyday now.
bravesfan88
He has a very solid overall game, allowing for his WAR numbers to look really good. Plus, Verdugo has room to improve and grow as a player, so he still has some upside as well.
Add in Downs, and freeing up that money, and I think it is actually a pretty solid deal for Boston. It is actually alot better than the previous deal, because they cannot afford to take a risk on Graterol, if they were truly concerned by his medicals..
Plus, you never know, they could pull an Aroldis Chapman and just resign Mookie..lol I highly doubt it, but crazier things have certainly happened..
mcase7187
Ya he’s a solid 4th outfielder
mt in baltimore
Looks like that Red Sox are getting ready to hit the RESET button and get on a path of being a well-heeled version of the Rays–which might be fun for Red Sox Nation.
Randy Red Sox
Red Sox know what they’re doing ??? If it is ONLY cutting payroll then yes I agree
fieldsj2
I bet you’ll like this trade a whole lot more in a couple years. It’s a pretty good haul for a rental and shedding half of Price’s deal. I think they made out better on the reworked deal.
Mlb1971
Agree, Mookie will probably only Be on the Dodgers for 1 year…..most of the commenters are forgetting that. Price is also 35 years old with a lot of mileage on his arm since he came up in 2008.
alproof
Don’t forget Betts is a 1-year rental who insists he’ll be testing free agency.
kahnkobra
he only has one year of control left, if they wait till the deadline his value is cut in half
Bigdj2100
WHOA! For a one year rental? Overpay.
Steven Juris
Had to give up more talent if your not going to take on an extra contract
dlevin11
WHOA! Let it go? Deal is done. Your one year rental is a top ten player and former AL MVP!!!
stretch123
Who may sign long term for LAD.
mlarr64
I’m pretty sure Mookie won’t be signing an extension with the Dodgers unless they are willing to creep up on Trout money. He’s said all along he wants to be a free agent.
Pingleja
still get a draft pick as compensation if he signs somewhere else, LA might have some of the best develop in the league. With how many young players they have, wouldn’t be the worst thing to thon out some of the prospects closer to MLB level. Verdugo would’ve started for at least half the MLB this year, and they saw him as surplus.
stymeedone
Who most likely will NOT sign long term with LAD.
A. He has said he will become a free agent.
B. It’s no longer the Dodgers strategy to tie up their payroll with long term big money contracts.
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
You say that with certainty but LAD always seems to be a dumping ground for Red Sox players. And they still won’t win the World Series.
jimthegoat
@stretch123 Who also might not sign long term for LAD. And who also might have signed long term for LAD if they hadn’t traded for him.
sufferforsnakes
What if his goal in becoming a free agent was to sign with LA?
math
He has said he will become a free agent, but that was when the only team who could legally offer him anything was the Red Sox, who lowballed him. You don’t know how his opinion might change if he likes LA and they make a good offer. How can you say that’s not the Dodgers strategy when they literally intended to pay Cole or Rendon 300M this very offseason.
jimthegoat
@math it’s not their strategy. If their endgame was to sign Betts long term they would have waited a year, paid him what he wanted in FA and kept Verdugo, Downs and Wong.
Also, all the evidence I’ve seen indicates that Betts would prefer to sign with the Red Sox, all other things equal. That going to free agency is all about getting them to up their ante.
Mlb1971
Then they could sign him next year and not give up any players in the trade
ripcookies
No way he’s a top 10 player.
nymetsking
No way?
czechmate32
You’re probably right. Except EVERY expert says he’s too 10.
luclusciano
Who Betts or Trout? Oh yeah, doesn’t matter, they are both top 10, possibly top 5.
ncaachampillini
Cookies you’re bananas.
Pedro Cerrano's Voodoo
Just #2. That’s all.
Dorothy_Mantooth
You’re right, he’s not a top 10 player, he’s a top 3 player. LAD are getting an absolute stud and got him for a very reasonable price. Easy favorites to win it all this year even if Graterol ends up needing thoratic outlet surgery 😉
letmeclearmythroat74
Betts is not too 10
DarkSide830
fixed it: “no way he is not a top 10 player”
leftyleftylefty
you love drugs too
Big glove502
According to the analytics, he’s the 2nd best player by a pretty large margin. Him and trout are in a league by themselves.
looiebelongsinthehall
Betts might very well be the second best outfielder but the margin between one and two is far bigger than two and three regardless of what some computer spits out. The eyes are the best tool to use when viewing players.
ray win
This is the best comment I have seen on Betts relative ability. He is really good, but he is not Trout. I would argue that Betts should get 8/ $260,000,000 which puts him a little better than Rendon.
bravesfan88
That is completely false, unless you truly watch every play and at-bat by that player, and every play and at-bat by every other player to make a fair comparison and assessment..
The eye ball test is a solid measure of whether or not a player is talented, but there is so much video and data compiled these days, we cannot possibly compete with statistical comparisons..It is impossible..
Analytics are often over utilized, and often cherry picked to help sell an agenda, but we have NEVER been able to so successfully compare and contrast every single player and their respective abilities as we can today. The stats are there for a reason, but it is up to us to educate ourselves, and use them correctly!!
looiebelongsinthehall
Great 2018 but I will argue to my grave JDM was the true MVP.
bballblk
Probably got Graterol too
wordonthestreet
No Boston is not getting Graterol
looiebelongsinthehall
Dodgers are. Whether they keep is still a question. LOL if he becomes involved in the now separate trade of Price. Not happening but it would be funny.
looiebelongsinthehall
Correction. Everyone says the trade also includes Price.
Randy Red Sox
Sox have NO NEED for pitching. Did you see all those pitchers Mr Bloom added early in FA.
MrAngelFan
Looks like the Dodgers made this work for everyone. Made the Red Sox happy. Looks like they will take Graterol is a separate deal even if the whiny Red Sox claim he is damaged goods as well.
AssumeFactsNotInEvidence
The Red Sox turned Graterol into Downs after a medical review. Bloom just pulled a rabbit out of a hat getting Verdugo and Downs for a year of Betts and half DP’s deal.
Javia
Who takes Price’s place in the rotation now AssumeFactsNotInEvidence?
Dorothy_Mantooth
Tanner Houck most likely. If not, they go with an opener. Sox rotation is certainly dicey but I’m glad they restocked the team with some young talent. Well done!
AssumeFactsNotInEvidence
Wasn’t going to be Graterol after reviewing the medical files if that’s what you’re getting at. The Sox are now under the luxury tax and have some room to sign a 5th starter.
Cooperdooper7
Dazarwin Hernandez could be the # 5 Starter.
looiebelongsinthehall
Henry Owens…
Randy Red Sox
Brian Johnson
Randy Red Sox
You mean Darwin ” catch one- chase one ” Hernandez ??
Randy Red Sox
We can probably afford him
Javia
So Johnson, Owens and Hernandez all finished last year with far under 100 innings, so none of them can start for more than 1/2 the year at most. Houck has the innings built up to do it, but he had an ERA over 4.00 in the minor leagues last year. Seems like the Sox are going to be struggling to find quality innings from the bottom of the rotation this year. That is fine if they have some good starting prospects on the way, but I don’t see those either.
So it looks like Boston will be spending at least $16 million per year next year just to get a decent back end starter. So some of their newfound money is already spoken for.
rmullig2
Micheal Bowden
reneaguerra
Lol, Red Sox got 2 ok players
stewartnbuck
watch Boston sign Mookie next season. got alot for nothing
Just a fan
@stewartnbuck Do you think Boston can afford him? The whole purpose to this transaction was a salary dump and staying under luxury tax.
thatsright
The reason is to reset the tax penalty this season so they will be free to exceed it next year. They can definitely afford to meet his contract demands in 2021. The question is whether it makes sense to commit 12 years at the expected rate to any player. If they get injured or regress a contract like that could ruin a team for many years.
redsoxu571
Most likely, the primary purpose of the deal was to make sure they don’t lose Betts for virtually nothing next year. Additionally, they wanted to RESET the luxury tax penalties, which means getting under the tax once. There is no indication that Boston intends to make a point of “staying” under the tax indefinitely.
TeddyBallgameYazJimEd
They only needed to get under it for this year…then the tax resets
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Not happening. We won’t outbid the Dodgers or Yankees.
Roll
the yankees definitely wont be in the bidding for Betts unless they want to hugely blow past the lux taxes. Currently they have 90 million without including arbitrations (1st time for Gleybar, Andujar, German,,Voit Urshela and 2nd for Judge, Sanchez plus a host of others). They will also have to replace Tanaka, Paxton, and Happ for the rotation..
bruceperdew
Seems to me if he wanted to play in Boston, he would have worked out a deal with the Sox. Why would he in essence force a trade if he wanted to be there?
Mech986TRtt
Certainly you are right. But if Betts helps LAD to get over and win the WS, then it would be worth it, hopefully done the right way without cheating. I suspect Dodgers fans would say it was worth it. Friedman and Dodgers management going all in for 2020, IMO. Question is, do we have enough pitching, both starting and relief?
Graterol probably wouldn’t be used in majors till August-Sept. call up, working on building his arm and health back up, and maybe working on a 3rd pitch. I don’t see Caleb Ferguson in this deal although other minor players haven’t been named, so we’ll see if he is still with Dodgers or not. And we don’t know if there is another prospect or two coming from MINN for Maeda to even up the values.
Lots to still see when all the trades are fully announced and done.
Strike Four
Pssst its not an overpay if you win a title, pass it on…
jtvincent
downs is not a star. he is probably is not a starter.
Ejemp2006
Price isn’t chopped liver
reflect
David Price is a solid value too since the Red Sox are paying half
Dustin27
Another Moron
trace
I expect new twists and turns.
spaghettigoblin
So no David Price?
looiebelongsinthehall
So far I guess. Sox likely got other teams interested if the 50% rumored pay down is accurate so I’m not worried.
looiebelongsinthehall
Disregard as others state Price also involved.
stewartnbuck
price has to be in the deal ? thought that was the reason for all this. yeah, you can have mookie but you need to take price also.
tigersfan1320
Maybe price will be going to the twins now?
Eatdust666
About time you didn’t have a comment that bashed Eppler.
Mo Vaughn
According to Ken Rosenthal, Price is still going to LA
sambino
David Price was included in the deal according to ESPN
sambino
according to ESPN David prices headed to the dodgers as well
sambino
*Price
Just a fan
I hope Price is not involved but highly doubt it.
AngelDiceClay
Doesn’t it say Betts and Price to the Dodgers ????
spaghettigoblin
It didn’t
ChiSox_Fan
They also omitted the part where Betts will likely sign with White Sox for 2021 season
leftyleftylefty
ChiSox_Fan needs rehab asap
ChiSox_Fan
They always post crap here before they have ALL of the facts.
Creates confusion.
Misterants
ChiSox_Fan isn’t that irritating?? If only they’d put something like “rumors” in the name so people would know it’s not verified facts
chitowninwi
Yeah like all of your posts, no facts just bull****
stevecohenMVP
lol redsox are cucks
Doug
No! They can’t trade JETER to the RED SOX!!!
MrAngelFan
Yep. SS Jeter to Red Sox.
wordonthestreet
Oh yea they can and they did
Strike Four
lmao you know boston just read that name and went “we must troll the yankees”
southern lion
About time.
jimmy bussit
Neat
spyderxxx1
Downs instead of the twin’s pitcher?!?! Ok! Bahahahahahaha, Red Sox what are you doing?!?!
mlb1225
Jeter Downs+Verdugo is a much better return than Verdugo+Brudsar
Strike Four
Brusdar was #83 on MLB.coms top 100 for 2020, Downs was #44. Huge upgrade on Boston’s end.
Dustin27
Mlb1225 your wrong!!
RedSox4Life4ever
I’d much rather have a solid position player to take over 2B than a reliever.
sufferforsnakes
Exactly.
wordonthestreet
Spyder what Boston did was obtain a better package than they originally negotiated!
DarkSide830
Downs and Wong are much lower risk players and combine to have similar potential.
Coach Bombay
Wow smart move by the Sox’s to hold out they just got a major upgrade
solaris602
Yeah, but it looks like they’re still stuck with Price and his $96M contract.
labluefan
Price is part of the deal too
wordonthestreet
Mr. T they sure did!
Kewldood69
Rag Sox.
Stevie E. B.
That’s the way it’s gonna be jabroni!
rangers92
What a great deal for the Redsox. Verdugo for the next 5 years at minimum pricing.. with 650 ab may approach 6 WAR like Mookie did but Betts will be gone after next year.. most likely.. or sign a huge contract
Jeter Downs could end up being a very good player as well.
Great job by the Redsox
baseballpun
Yeah sure.
baseballpun
Yeah sure.
kbarr888
He won’t be at the minimum for 5 years.
Just the 1st TWO Years…..
TC for 2020 and 2021
Arb 1 in 2022………etc
rangers92
Yeah I get that.. I meant minimum as far as “will not cost $35 million a year for 6 years” and may put up just a bit under similar production over the next 6 years
"Sixth City" Guards
Don’t say great and Redsox in same sentence. Cheaters are never great
Doofydoofer08
Lol you keep hanging on to that. You must believe they cheated their way to all the World Series titles… get a grip man the report from
Mlb isn’t even out yet.
"Sixth City" Guards
This would not be the first time. They are POS all the way back to the Cheater David Ortiz. Burn Boston burn
luclusciano
Well – correlation doesn’t not always mean causation, but, one of the masterminds behind the plan became the coach of Boston the same year they won the series.
Pedro Cerrano's Voodoo
Lol at the hater with zero evidence to back up his claims. Just a name caller.
Strike Four
clutch them pearls big guy, you dont sound like like a loser
"Sixth City" Guards
Here some facts. That new shiny CF you got was present while a girl was sexually assaulted. Fact. Its that something to lol at? He does fit right in the the other crap going on there in Boston. Smh.
redsoxu571
FYI, according to reports Verdugo wasn’t even in the room when the sexual assault went down. But you don’t seem like the sort of person who cares about facts. Stinks to be you.
"Sixth City" Guards
Dude. they were at a party with an underage girl who was intoxicated. Quote “Verdugo was reportedly present for both the girl’s beating and for the sexual assault on the girl by Baldwin, and did not intervene. He was named in the police report filed by the survivor, a report which also noted her physical condition:” This was later confirmed by SI. Also, if you were smart enough to understand Arizona law, he was culpable of being charged, So, you know nothing. So, stfu. You’re defending this says a lot about who you are.
lfcredsox
god damn you are like a broken record, you don’t even know what happened, stfu
"Sixth City" Guards
I know Ortiz failed a test. Nothing else needs to be said. Ortiz is a cheater like the red sox are.
redsoxu571
You know nothing. The 2003 test likely included much more than just steroids and the list is KNOWN to contain probable false positives. It wasn’t meant to be a test to catch individuals and wasn’t up to the rigors of real testing. Doesn’t make Ortiz innocent, but doesn’t make him guilty either, and he went a loooooong time playing great after that without a single positive test. He’s the opposite of players who suddenly dropped off in performance the year or so of that first test…Ortiz instead got better.
"Sixth City" Guards
He was in the 2003 Mitchell Report. David Ortiz admitted this himself. He also said he was going do some “personal investigation” and reveal it later when he proved it wasn’t. I am still waiting. He is a cheater. You can try to defend that POS all you want but it is what it is and I tell you and I say it to his cheating face.. His silence says it all.
Eatdust666
What else might have it included other than steroids?
hiflew
There are only three teams that have never had anyone suspended for PEDs. The Angels, Cubs, and Nationals. Of course, the Angels and Nats have had multiple minor league players suspended for PEDS. And the Cubs had Sammy Sosa. So I don’t think any franchise really has much of a leg to stand on when it come to accusing any other team of cheating.
"Sixth City" Guards
I would say the same thing if it was an Indians player. No bias.
Buzzed Capra
Agree this is a great deal for the Red Sox, getting Downs as well as Verdugo for a rental and a pitcher they don’t want.
amk3510
Congrats Bloom to weasling his way to getting Downs. Hopefully Graterol will be a stud for the Dodgers.
1drefordays6
Agreed also he’s still stuck with Price’s big contract still. (So far at least)
lfcredsox
no the dodgers get him and pay $48m of remaining $96m
wordonthestreet
Bloom did a nice job. Its called negotiating AMK3510.
amk3510
Its not negotiating when its after you agree to another deal. Thats dirty at best.
DarkSide830
its essentially handshake before medicals are exchanged.
thatsright
The agreement included pending medical record review. This is a normal trade mechanism.
lfcredsox
you are a jackass, if they don’t like the medical they are allowed to say no, obviously the dodgers were highly motivated to get mookie, it’s not dirty to do due diligence, especially when giving up your best player, I am amazed at how many people seem to not understand this, if the team is not comfortable doing a deal they don’t have to, this should not be this hard to understand
amk3510
They illegally leaked medicals. There is a reason everyone is ripping the Sox. Its not simply about backing out of the “handshake” deal.
redsoxu571
Only trolls are “ripping” the Red Sox for this, troll. All the honest people remember that there is a reason trades are always noted to be “pending physicals/medicals”. And Graterol’s medicals are still completely unknown…only Boston’s reaction to seeing the medicals is known.
What a grade A turd comment by you. Does that help you feel proud when you go to bed every day?
Buzzed Capra
Bloom wins.
looiebelongsinthehall
Hope so too 1dre but probably for a different reason. The kid did nothing to deserve this scrutiny so I’m rooting for him.
purplewidow
The whole reason why Graterol isn’t going to Boston is because of his medical records… the guy has issues.. I don’t know why they dumped Maeda for a guy with health issues in his medical records and a depth piece or two to be named later.. dodgers should have just kept Maeda. Unless they have serious questions about his health then the Graterol deal makes sense and twins will be further screwed
amk3510
Graterol doesn’t have medical issues in fact its better he got TJS out of the way. Maeda for Graterol and the 67th pick is great value for LA
Comrade Tipsy McStagger
He doesn’t have medical issues. He HAD medical issues.
Anyone who has taken a mere five minutes of research knows about Graterol’s history and also concerns about his arm movement perhaps being better suited for relief. Some experts believe that he still has high upside as a #1 or #2 starter, while some think relief pitching is in his future. Boston SHOULD know all of this.
The point is that Boston agreed to the deal and then had people that were not “yes men” offer second opinions about Graterol that made the front office second guess this deal (and thus made the excuse of medical concerns to back out). I find it unethical (maybe not Operation: Codebreaker unethical) and am glad that the Twins did not cave to Boston’s demands, which were based on an unethical foundation.
hunthutch
Way to much given up from the Dodgers now
YankeesBleacherCreature
This is a postseason move for the Dodgers. They’re pushing all their chips in for a WS championship. If they fall short, they can absorb the loss while still maintaining a very solid core after this year.
DarkSide830
this is giving up Torres for Chapman. Dodgers are giving up pieces that arent absolutely vital to their future success in exchange for someone that may be that missing piece to put them over the top.
politicsNbaseball
No one the Dodgers gave up is on Torres’ level.
hiflew
Really? It’s Verdugo and two minor leaguers that are second best at most on the prospect depth chart for their position. Betts is easily better than Verdugo. The Dodgers have Lux ahead of Downs and Ruiz ahead of Wong, so they are not really that big a loss either.
I just don’t understand why people think you can get an MVP fr scrap prospects only.
SalaryCapMyth
I don’t know. We’ve been down this road before. Can I trust it this time or are you just going to hurt me? =D
cars
I only wish Theo Epstein somehow would have been smart enough to get involved in this deal to try and unload one of his bad contracts.
sherlock_
Red Sox win
Illusionist
well glad the Dodgers got him over the Padres. Padres acting like they could afford him when they clearly couldnt. Not to mention the little they invested in their Starting rotation. At least the Dodgers have a chance to extend him when the year is over. I still hate these one year rental deals, but hey, goodluck LA.
sambino
I believe David Price is also going to the Dodgers.
kbarr888
Nothing written about that anywhere yet. Not on twitter….not here…..not on MLB.com
kbarr888
I guess ESPN says “Yes”
sambino
ESPN reported it
Sonny42
If its not on twitter it must not be true lmao
downeysoft420
Price is still part of the trade. Jeter is #44 prospect while graterol was #83 prospect. Sox definitely did themselves better.
hiflew
But did they? They have Bogaerts miles ahead of Downs, while they would have had a spot for Graterol even in the bullpen. So yes, thy may look better for themselves on someone’s personal prospect list, but they probably did worse for themselves as a team.
jbigz12
A minor league SS can move to a different position. SS is very high on the defensive spectrum. Don’t be ignorant.
hiflew
Yeah SS is high on the defensive spectrum. But if he is moving, then how does that apply here? Don’t be illogical.
jbigz12
Jesus. Because minor league SS’s move to different positions all the time. If you’re currently playing a very challenging defensive position the probability of you being able to master a less challenging defensive position is very high.
You clearly didn’t think your comment out at all. You said Bogaerts was miles ahead of Downs but Graterol could’ve been a reliever. Why the hell couldnt Downs be a 2B or an outfielder? From your comment— You’ve decided he can’t be anything but a SS and that’s why this is a worse deal for Boston. Going to have to disagree with that big time.
jbigz12
Which is completely illogical. They don’t have a true 2B answer long term. No one questions if a SS can be moved to 2B. That’s a pretty obvious switch. It only took a second of critical thinking to think your comment was ignorant.
hiflew
You are just a nasty person and I am not going to waste any more time reading your petty insults. Have a nice life.
jbigz12
Lmao.
AssumeFactsNotInEvidence
Hiflew over the cuckoo’s nest is back ladies and gentleman!
When you say something really stupid make sure to get offended and not address how stupid your comment is!
All the while acting like hiflew never talks like a D-bag to other commenters! Well done, HiFlew!
dlevin11
Not JETER!!!
wordonthestreet
Yea Jeter Downs … he gone!
Philliesfan4life
If Price is staying put, then the angels or phillies should swoop in to get him.
names
Strike four is sure to somehow play the race card on this trade. SMH
YankeesBleacherCreature
What a complete dumpster fire that was. And the fact that he was convinced it was true. SMH
Questionable_Source
…and some BS about how much money the owner has. SMH.
Big glove502
Same guy that said Connor Byrne was going to get Michael fiers killed for using the the word whistleblower when referring to him.
Misterants
“All of the white sports writers caused Boston to…”
"Sixth City" Guards
Redsox=cheaters.
trace
Yeah okay.
"Sixth City" Guards
Yeah truth
nymetsking
bitter4life
"Sixth City" Guards
Bitter over what? Because they’re cheaters. I could care less about the Redsox. Its going be fun seeing fans boo them all year and getting spanked by the Rays and Yankees. Karma is a B.
RedSox4Life4ever
How can you say you care less about the Red Sox but yet you comment every single time about how they’re cheaters?
TheReal_DK
It seems like you should be getting more than two guys for a player of Betts status, but I really do like Verdugo even if most of the return is based off his performance. He reminds me of a higher upside Nick Markakis. Might not set the world on fire with his run producing numbers but I think he’s set up to be one of the best two way outfielders in the game. Just solid all around.
pasha2k
I hope the MORE to come is Price leaving because HE will be a disgruntled member of a drama infected team. What do you think the fans will get this yr? Price causing drama whenever he can, and in between dramas he will pick fights with the Eck, who definitely does NOT deserve it.
puigpower
Interesting – now dodgers don’t have salary obligations as much. Joc and Strip staying?
puigpower
Nevermind
gson
Joc and Strip going to the Angels.. or off loading 11 MM of the 43 MM they added with Mookie and the LAD’s portion of the Price salary for 2020..
AGAVE
I’d certainly like to know the answer to this as well.
Arté ready to deal now???
Simodine
Smart move by the sox, verdugo, downs and another prospect.
Looks like twins will get maeda and cash.
Rallyshirt
Why just bail Boston out when you can do even more? Do more, 2020.
Thec’s
Great trade! Mookie was gone at the end of the year. No way Mookie is worth 400 million plus! How many World Series has Trout, Harper, Machado and Arendono have won? None, no way Mookie is worth 35 plus a year. Goodluck
Moneyballer
Nice Job Dodgers! Personally, I liked the Verdugo/Graterol return better than the the Verdugo/Downs return. So essentially the Dodgers are getting Mookie Betts, David Price and Brusdar Graterol for Verdugo, Downs and Maeda! Amazing. All 3 are upgrades at the positions they will be used. Remarkable job LA!
dellarocco72
Article doesn’t mention Price. But he’s headed to LA. Red Sox will pay half of his remaining 96 mil.
5toolMVP
Wohoo it was reported the deal is done*
*pending medical blah blah blah
Donkatsu
At the end of 2020 65 million (Turner, Jansen, Betts) will be off the payroll
Moneyballer
Yeah and they will be major players for every single top free agent at positions of need. They got this figured out in LA. Those guys know what they are doing!
sully51
Jansen is signed through 2021. He’s not off the books this year.
Philliesfan4life
So does this trade help complete the pederson trade to the angels?
Bert17
Why not? The Dodgers didn’t give up any extra pitchers or outfielders and got an extra pitcher in this version. They gave up two minor leaguers, so all the more reason to grab a couple of new ones from the Angels.
Moneyballer
This just in, Jeter Downs had a cyst on his left butt cheek. Boston feels ripped off, asks for larger return!
phillesfan07
lol
Fallito
Nah, it is just hemorrhoids.
californiaangels
who are the Angel’s giving up JESUS!!!
Diggydugler
Dodgers got played like a fiddle! Not sure why they were so desperate.
Moneyballer
Are you serious? They have Mookie Betts leading off their already stacked lineup! You’re not going to get anyone in LA complaining!! This is a HUGE win for them.
Diggydugler
lets revisit this post in a years time.
mlbdodgerfan2015
Friedman has taken a lot of heat for not pulling the trigger. This is the overreaction that I feared.
rognog
Pending spoiled Red Sox fans’ approval.
AZPat
Jeter is a Red Sox.
goastros123
The Dodgers SHOULD win the World Series this year. Either them or the Yankees.
Philliesfan4life
I don’t think either one will
bigbadjohnny
and some other team than the Dodgers will win the 2020 World Series.,,,,,,…bet on it !
Oxford Karma
I mean if anyone would give you that bet, Anyone vs the field, you take the bet.
Oxford Karma
Jeter to the Sox. There’s a trade you didn’t expect to see!
Moneyballer
Fenway is used to having a Jeter light them up!
whyhayzee
Cool, the Red Sox just traded 1986 (Mookie) for 2004 (Jeter). Much better outcome.
bigbadjohnny
I am surprise a box load of clam chowder was not involved in this trade !
Bert17
How have the Sox, a team with no pitching depth and that’s been terrible at developing pitchers, going from one unlikely starter down to no pitchers at all in this trade?? they’re trading with the Dodgers FFS, theyve got so much pitching they’re giving it away to the Twins and Angels.
phillesfan07
I think that other prospect might be pitching prospect such as Josiah gray
SLL
Bait and switch. The Dodgers should have said No Deal. They have catching depth and can spare Wong. Verdugo may or may not be a star. But throwing in Jeter Downs is too much! Betts for Verdugo and Wong would have been fair.
Maeda for Graterol is fair, though it will be years before we know who got the best of it. It sounds like there are more pieces to that one, too.
phillesfan07
The Red-Sox got Wong to…..
Rich Hill’s Elbow
Can’t believe the Twins FO caved in and are giving up another prospect. Twins are the only losers in this deal now.
mlbdodgerfan2015
I hate this trade. Seems like the Dodgers caved just to get it done. I doubt they’re re-signing Betts so it seems like a very expensive one year rental. Seems like this trade was pushed by Dodger fans and Friedman and Co. caved.
stretch123
Well, when you’re getting a the second best player in the league (behind Trout) you do whatever you need to to get it done. Especially if you’re in desperate need to win a WS title.
mlbdodgerfan2015
No doubt that he instantly improves the lineup and defense but the Dodgers are giving up two guys with high upside including one that has already proven success at the mlb level albeit in a small sample size. Plus another prospect.
politicsNbaseball
Verdugo will be a quality MLB player but the Dodgers need stars to get over the hump.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Part of their motive to get Betts is to convince him that it’s worth staying in LA. They for sure have the resources to resign him as a FA.
jimthegoat
@lowereastsider That is not part of their motive. Not at all. There is only one way to get Betts to sign with LA: Cold hard cash
mlbdodgerfan2015
Friedman has not given a $100mm contract as a Dodger. You think he’s going to give a $375-400mm contract? I’ll believe it when I see it. No player should be given that much money. He may be “worth it” but you significantly dilute your remaining talent unless you’re able to keep pumping out cheap talent. The Dodgers have been doing that but most likely we’ll see some mean reversion. Cubs were doing well when they had a lot of cheap talent blended with star players then they had to pay the young players and there were some busts and they weren’t able to keep developing young cheap talent.
bigbadjohnny
From Bunker Hill to Hollywood Hills !
stretch123
Dodgers are getting a ton of talent in the deal. Graterol could end up the successor to Jansen. Not a hugeee fan of Jeter Downs. I think he’ll be an okay big league regular, but I do like Verdugo and can envision him in Boston for many years to come. Hopefully he stays healthy.
Questionable_Source
It will still be the original trade, but with downs added in.
Boston: Graterol, Downs, Verdugo
LA: Price, Betts
Minnesota: Maeda
…unless it isn’t. Baseless speculation on my part.
phillesfan07
Except the dodgers get Graterol, not the Twins
zeppy123
Yes. And hope he becomes a frontline starter. That would be hilarious and righteous
Ashleyr
Just pointing out the obvious, but the Red Sox starting pitchers are now:
Chris Sale, Eduardo Rodriguez, Nathan Eovaldi, and Martin Pérez. If three of the four go down with injury, the cupboard is bare to replace them, unless they use openers and the bullpen, which consists of:
Brandon Workman, Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier, Heath Hembree, Darwinzon Hernandez, Josh Taylor, and Marcus Walden.
At least the Red Sox acquired another outfielder and shortstop prospect that may never see the majors, instead of pitchers they could have actually used.
It should be an interesting spring training.
YankeesBleacherCreature
They’re in retooling mode so I don’t see why they can’t just use a patchwork rotation. Does it really matter if they end the year in third, fourth, or even last place? Those marginal wins aren’t that important.
prov356
Looks like a good deal for all. Hopefully the Angels/Dodgers deal is still on.
KENNETH A LICHTIG
In addition, the Dodgers and Angels had agreed in principle to a separate trade that would send Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling to the crosstown Angels in exchange for Luis Rengifo and unidentified prospects. Will this trade move forward?
jimthegoat
Inb4 it gets nixed again
bigbadjohnny
Top Ten Teams in MLB right now…..
Dodgers
Yankees
Rays
Nats
Astros
Braves
Cubs
Twins
A”s
Cardinals
MetsFan22
Mets for sure have a better roster than everybody below Braves and with the lost of Donaldson and Nats losing rendon it wouldn’t surprise me if they pass those teams. Now will they?! It’s a different story. The Mets could finish outside the top 10 record wise but your doing them wrong if this is based on roster.
And rays are not better. They played in a weak AL and they are also way smarter than Mets.
Same with A’s
Rn I’ll give you
Dodgers
Astros
Yankees (They won’t win WS. Fans will cry for days. I’ll laugh)
Braves
Nats
And the others are 50/50 with Mets
DarkSide830
the Mets certainly do not have a better roster than MIN or STL.
MetsFan22
LOL! Twins beat up on horrible teams all year. Overrated team. And stl has a higher floor than Mets but definitely a lower ceiling.
ChiSox_Fan
White Sox certainly ahead of Cubbies!
sam00991
Seems about right, but if anything I would put the twins behind the Astros and knock the Nats behind the A’s. Maybe even Phillies over Nats due to offensive production.
captainchaos55
Remove Cubs and Cardinals and insert Reds and Mets
sam00991
So what happened to the Angels trade?
phillesfan07
Besides Stippling and Joc for the infielder, I think the other prospects are still in the works
imindless
7-10 range. Think someone like jones, soriano, sandoval, knowles.
jimthegoat
Jeter Downs is gonna have to change his name
ramon garciaparra
Sure future prospect, how about Upside Downs?
hope15171
Trade is even worse now. The Red Sox are a joke. They should’ve dumped Jackie Bradley first. That guy blows
ChiSox_Fan
Now the BoSox can sign Puig!!
mike156
Our long national nightmare has come to an end.
DarkSide830
this seems a bit more equitable now actually. curious what Boston plans on doing with Downs given they have both Dalbec and Chavis seemingly occupying 1st and 2nd respectively. also good of LAD to put their C depth to use. Wong is sneaky good, but was blocked in LAD.
phillesfan07
I think they trade Chavis and Bennatendi for Makenzi Gore and Myers
terry g
SD is not trading Gore. haha
phillesfan07
Why not they singed Hosmer and we can see how that turned out
AtlSoxFan
Dalbec has always been seen as a corner IF, followed by casas. Both have always been seen as 1b/3b, and would’ve gotten time at 2b in the minors had they the aptitude, given lack of quality depth there.
Chavis got hurt so we don’t know what a full season by him looks like. We also don’t know what to make of peraza, if he tanks again chavis becomes more valuable.
Long term I think you see an IF of devers, bogaerts, downs/chavis/peraza, casas. Maybe dalbec winds up DH/1B to give casas breaks. If peraza rebuilds value he becomes TB style trade bait. Otherwise odd man out of chavis/downs/peraza may become a utility guy on a permanent basis.
Also never rule out a coversion to LF for someone
steve dolan
And…the Red Sox receive no pitching help at all.
MrAngelFan
@Steve dolar Red Sox can’t get pitching because the doctors gave the thumbs up for Chris Sale and David Price and the thumbs down to Graterol. Don’t worry these doctors have a certificate from DeVry.
DarkSide830
they have room now to add an arm on a more reasonable deal and keep them under the lux tax. somebody like Cueto or Shark perhaps? essentially anyone they believe offers better value than price did at his contract while keeping them under the luxury tax.
AssumeFactsNotInEvidence
Shark and Cueto make more than half of what Price does, big man. That makes no sense.
phillesfan07
Or maybe a blockbuster with the Phillies
Phillies get LHP Chris sale and Xander Bogarts
Red-Sox get Spencer Howard Alec Bohm and Scott Kingery
(no way the Phillies could afford this btw)
steve dolan
Now that would put a lot of cash in the greedy Red Sox owners pockets, now wouldn’t it.
AndreTheGiantKiller
So it’s revised to essentially be Downs and Wong for Graterol. Guess the Dodgers value pitching such as Gonsolin more than Downs
phillesfan07
I think they did not really want it to go like that it just had to be done because the Red-sox needed more
imindless
Downs isnt good, loud tools with little production just look at minors prior to last year. Thats how dodgers got him in first place. Wong also is blocked by ruiz, smith and cartaya. All way better still remains to be seen what else dodgers get for maeda.
Javia
Am I missing something on Jeter Downs? He doesn’t have a single plus tool. I mean, the guy hit .269/.354 in A+ ball! That translates to MAYBE .250/.300 in mlb, if he is lucky. He is 5’11”, 180. He is not going to hit more than 20-HR per year and again, only if he is lucky. He has average speed so he won’t be stealing 20+ bases in mlb either. If he is lucky he will someday be an average mlb player. Well done Boston.
rmullig2
But the first name!
AtlSoxFan
Yes, you are – his slugging, and the cup of tea in AA. (But take with grain of salt as it was in the elevated west coast arena)
.269/.354/.507 with 19 HR & 33 2B in 479 PA
Then in AA, but with aforementioned caveats:
.333/.429/.688 with 5 HR & 2 2B in 56 PA
What’s nice about that is he wasn’t fazed and didn’t show the common initial drop off when adjusting to more advanced pitching.
Will that continue all the way to a mlb callup? I seriously doubt it. But, coming out of a guy who is likely to start getting reps as a 2B there are things to like.
bennysbeantown
This is one of those where Grateol is gonna become phenomenal and the Sox missed out and Dodgers strike gold
zeppy123
Agree. He will be a stud and RS will still be whining…and cheating
rjmbosox
Got that right
letmeclearmythroat74
Bogarts to Reds for Senzel and Aquino
Bill Skiles
Nicely done Friedman, still have a lot of prospects and some cash for the trade deadline for some pitching. – I’m excited, Play Ball!.
.
zeppy123
Red Sox are weenies for backing out due to fan and media backlash. Dodgers still came out better in the end.
butch779988
They backed out for medical reasons
butch779988
They backed out for medical reasons
Psychguy
Whining RS, get better deal who cares if they put everyone in an uncomfortable position. It got resolved and the RS benefited. That’s all that matters.
zeppy123
No it’s not. No one is going to want to trade with this dysfunctional organization. Worse than an ignorant fantasy team owner.
theredsoxrule
Then why did they get a BETTER deal than the original?? lol they did nothing wrong, they got spooked by something on medical records and decided they weren’t happy NOTHING wrong with that…you just hate because your team sucks
Rallyshirt
Wong alert!! Seek immediate shelter.
tigersfan1320
Are you saying the Red Sox haul wasn’t good? Verdugo and downs, both top prospects pretty much (I know verdugo doesn’t qualify anymore but he would be a top prospect if he did) for a rental player and a mediocre pitcher with a horrible salary. The dodgers got back a good haul as well, but the Red Sox did well on this trade
hyraxwithaflamethrower
I don’t like them playing BS games with their claims on Graterol, but it’s business. Every team wants to get a good deal.
zeppy123
They made a deal and then changed their mind after. Not cool and noted by all.
ffrhb14Sox
No deal is done until medical exams are done, who doesn’t know that?
imindless
This trade works even better than original trade did. Downs isnt that good outside of last year with dodgers farm. Blocked at all positions by better prospects and to intern have him swapped for a high end relief arm which we need plus other lower level prospects. Works out well for us honestly now i cant wait to see what angels will give up to add to the stack.
The Human Rain Delay
MLB trade rumors troll Komalu assures me the extra picks from the Angels will be of little value-
I cant wait as well
Buzzed Capra
Just because he’s smarter than most of the people on here does not make him a troll.
Dorothy_Mantooth
People who say Downs isn’t good are ignorant. He had an excellent season last year at A+ and even better (albeit shorter) stint in AA. For those who say to look at 2018, he was 19 years old for God’s sake! Look at Jo Adell’s numbers last season (Top 5 MLB prospect). Nothing special at all but everyone projects him to be great. Downs is a Top 50 prospect who is a lock to be a 20/20 guy in MLB, drive in runs will play decent defense at 2nd base. What’s not to love? At 21 years old, he’s still developing and last year he made a dramatic leap forward. I’m really excited to watch him continue to get better and better.
Javia
He hit .269 in A+ ball AFTER making a dramatic leap forward? .269 in A+ translates to what, .230-.240 in mlb? A lock to be a 20/20 guy in mlb? He went 20/20 once, and in A+ ball! Sure, if A+ numbers are directly transferrable to mlb then he is a lock. 99.99% of players see a sizable drop in their #’s from AA-AAA to the majors. From A+ to the majors? A huge drop can be expected. You are calling a guy with average speed a lock to steal 20+ bases in mlb. A guy who is 5’11”,180lb a lock to hit 20+ HR in mlb. One of us is pretty far off here, and I am pretty sure it isn’t me.
The Padres CJ Abrams hit .393/.436 with 3-HR and 15-SB between rookie and A ball last year in 150-AB at the same age, 19. I guess that makes him a lock for 10+HR and 60+SB with a .350+BA and .400+OBP in the majors?
AtlSoxFan
In 2019 Downs hit .276/.362/.526 across both A+/AA, although AA was only 12 games.
FWIW, his AA stint was higher production than A+ ball, but, 12 games of .333/.429/.688 is too short to create expectations.
What can we say? Typically prospects in the PCL have inflated hitting stats compated to the IL. Temper you expectations until we see some production numbers from being in BOS system.
Also, and more importantly, BOS now appears to have a possible heir for Pedey in the system. Their existing IF prospects have been corner types, so someone up the middle is a good thing.
Goose
With everyone saying the Dodgers not going to be able to sign Betts, who has the money and will? The Yankees spent their savings this year and got Cole. The Phillies did their binge last year. The Angels spent on Rendon. The Cubs are worried about keeping their own. Next year the Yankees, Cubs, Red Sox, Phillies and Angels are off the table for a Bett’s contract.
The Red Sox got the Dodgers 5th and 28th ranked prospects. They need pitching but Downs will either be the 2B of the future or heading to CF to replace Bradley. Wong will either be in the catching mix in 2021 or a 1B.
Even if Bett’s is a 1 year rental Verdugo is the only player lost. A potentially a very good player but nothing damaging to the organization.
phillesfan07
I think the Phillies lose like two big and bad contracts Arrieta and Robertson and they sign Betts and Extend Realmuto
Diggydugler
why the Jays of course! 🙁
phillesfan07
That might just work but the Phillies will scope him up
rmullig2
Most of the bad contracts the Giants have will expire at the end of 2021. The have the payroll space and the need for Betts and would love to stick it to the Dodgers. They would be my pick.
Diggydugler
so the twins further lose the trade and boston gets more
Dorothy_Mantooth
The Twins are making out much better in the trade. They are getting Maeda, an additional LA prospect and cash from LA to help offset the escalating contract expenses for Maeda. So Minn & Boston made out better in this deal. LA was forced to pay more but they will see the greatest benefit out of this deal in 2020 for sure.
Dorothy_Mantooth
While I was hoping the Sox would get Josiah Gray in this deal, Downs & Wong are not a bad consolation prize. With Downs & Wong starting in the minors, the Sox have an opening on their ML roster now. It makes sense for them to give Taijuan Walker a one year prove it deal to see if he can fill the #4 or #5 hole in the rotation, or perhaps even give Danny Salazar a shot. Now that the Sox are about $16 – $18M below the cap, they can add a few affordable pieces on one year deals and hopefully patch together a rotation.
zeppy123
Good luck. “Patch together a rotation” to face the Yankees, etc. Great strategy for winning. Or wait, I think your strategy was getting under the cap and finding a new manager that doesn’t cheat
ffrhb14Sox
Sox don’t have to chase the Yankees, they haven’t won in a decade plus now. They finally tried to get a real starting pitcher, will likely make the playoffs again but from there no WS means a fail as their salary is on the rise year over year with decisions to make.
ffrhb14Sox
Sox don’t have to chase the Yankees, they haven’t won in a decade plus now. They finally tried to get a real starting pitcher, will likely make the playoffs again but from there no WS means a fail as their salary is on the rise year over year with decisions to make.
AtlSoxFan
Sox are, if you believe spotrac, not 16-18m below cbt.
Sox were, when you added benefits and such, about 41m over before the trade.
You lifted 27.7 + about 16m for price. That’s only 43.7m and now you add back some salary when accounting for 40 man costs. About 1m.
Id like to see specifics, but, it sounds like without cutting/trading jbj Sox are probably about 1-2m under cbt.
Dorothy_Mantooth
Not sure what official numbers MLB used to assess salaries for CBT but other sites had Boston between $26M – $28M over the cap prior to the deal. Boston media seems to think this deal gets them $10M+ below the threshold but I guess we’ll find out! All I know is that they figure out final salaries in November so there’s still time to jettison more money if that is indeed needed.
AtlSoxFan
Remember, manny still gets his 2 mil and change!
I don’t know if pablo’s buyout 5m got added to 2019, or floated into 2020.
One thing you can be sure of…. at least for 2020, now that the sox are “under” cbt that is a bright red hard firm line that is not crossed. Otherwise dumping mookie wasn’t worth it and there’ll be scorched earth.
zeppy123
Yay. Below the cap!!!
Simodine
Wow sox holding this trade up really screwed the Dodgers. Gave up a higher top prospect and now the twins are getting maeda a prospect a draft pick and 10m from the dodgers.
Looks like the dodger really paid to keep everyone happy.
Psychguy
That’s what it seems. Downs rated as #44 best prospect; Graterol rated #83. Plus Wong. Dodgers were overly committed to the process and RS took advantage even though they acted poorly
ffrhb14Sox
No trade is done until physicals and med reports. If Boston was in the wrong, LA and Minny pull out of the deal. They saw something, didn’t want Graterol and reset talks. Normal negotiations.
zeppy123
Better to be honorable than be cheaters. Who’s your manager? Oh! Not sure at the moment…
math
Downs is a big chip, but he wasn’t going to crack any Dodger team that features Seager and Lux.
wildboys
It would be funny if Graterol ends up being the best player of all the players in these two deals moving forward.
Seems to me that LA’s scouting department is one of the best in the league.
Gwynning's Anal Lover
I hope when the Red Sox call up Downs, the fans don’t call him F’n Jetah like they did with Derek Jeter.
amjr
Chaim Bloom is the loser in these trading negotiations. All that indecisiveness to make the trade anyway. What a Chaim.
butch779988
No he’s not . He was tasked to do this and had little leverage to do much better with Betts as an FA after the season.
Mrtwotone
Jeter to Red Sox? Something I thought I would never hear in a million years lol
AZPat
Just think how his parents feel.
Amanda2019
not a good return for boston, they get a shortstop even though we have xander for the next 5 seasons or more and hes the cornerstone now of the lineup, and they didnt get a pitcher , while i know dustin may was off the table, they should have no matter what, made sure they got a pitcher back, even one that may not be ready right away, i mean shortstops the 1 position boston has thats a lock, reading that part made absolutely no sense,. unless they think jeter downs can play second base
Dorothy_Mantooth
Downs is only 21 so he probably has another 1-2 years in the minors. If the Sox decide to keep Xander at SS for the next 3+ years, they will move Downs to 2nd base or maybe even the OF. Both Downs and Wong had excellent years last year (24 HRs & 82 RBI each) so the Sox really strengthened their minor league system and reset their CBT tax as well. It’s such a shame that it came at the price of Mookie Betts, but if they had to do this, they made out reasonably well in this deal for the long term.
AtlSoxFan
Agreed with most of this. Just remember to temper your expectations regarding production, AND, don’t get disappointed if the number decline somewhat in 2020 – it wouldn’t necessarily represent a step back.
PCL hitters have inflated stats compared to IL league hitters. Moving from one to another typically either inflates/depresses their numbers, but abilities are the same.
Either way there’s new talent in the pipeline, one with potential to backup if not push vasquez, but more importantly there’s a possible heir for pedey.
bravesfan
The original 3 team trade, I kept thinking that deal was brutal for everyone but the dodgers, especially the twins. Now all the deals make a lot more sense and good for all
Psychguy
Can’t we just play this year without the Astros and Red Sox. Jeez. Whatever happened to respect and character?
Dorothy_Mantooth
You’re going to be very disappointed with MLBs report of the Boston ‘cheating’. Not even in the same stratosphere as to what Houston did. There’s quite a bit of confidence that they did nothing wrong, but wouldn’t be surprised if MLB assesses some sort of fine against the team if a player or two went into the replay room during a game. But there was absolutely NO live signaling of pitches to batters from the dugout and no trash can or other auditory signals to batters at the plate. At worst, they looked at the same video that players are able to review on the bench via iPads. That’s about the extent of it.
Buzzed Capra
Ah no, why would we be playing without 2 franchises? That sounds ridiculous. Penalties will be assessed to the Red Sox if necessary and then we will all move on to the upcoming season. Well, most of us anyway.
bobtillman
Sox basically lost some ceiling (Graterol) and picked up some floor (Downs and Wong). Both Downs and Wong figure to see Fenway, Jeter likely as a CF (what few prospects the Sox have seem to all play 2B) and Wong as a backup C and IF; his K-rate is abysmal, making him a sort of souped up Austin Barnes.
Depending on the OF prospect Minny had to give up (could be Larnach) , LA turned out pretty well, so (all factors considered) did the Sox. A bit unsure about the Twins side of things.
And yes, the aim was to RESET the tax, which may or may not disappear with the new CBA in a couple of years. It wouldn’t shock me to see Mookie back in Boston.
twins33
Haven’t caught up with the news yet, but doubt it’s Larnach. He’s a top five Twins prospect.
twins33
Luke Raley, per Passan. No loss there. Twins got him from the Dodgers in the Dozier trade so him going back is amusing. Hardly knew ye!
Phiilies2020
Is Stripling still involved? This almost assures Dustin May opens the season in the rotation. Graterol is a nice addition to the Dodgers pen, which I think is their weakest personel. Wouldnt be surprised if he’s the primary set up man by September. David Price will pitch better in that division, that’s almost a guarantee. If I were Dave Robets I’d be batting Mookie leadoff and Bellinger second. Followed by Turner, Muncy, Pollack, Seager, Will Smith and Lux.
Is the Joc Pederson deal with Anaheim now a given?
Dorothy_Mantooth
No news on the Angels deal yet but since no additional LA OFs or pitchers were traded, I don’t see why this deal won’t happen unless LA got cold feet. Given what we know about the deal, the Angels must be giving up some Top 5-7 prospect(s) in the deal as it looked very one sided in favor of Anaheim. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
vincent k. mcmahon
Have fun in LA, Markus.
Rich Hill’s Elbow
Legitimate question, what if a player (particularly Graterol) refuses to leave??
twins33
Then he retires I guess. He’s under contract, he has to leave.
AZPat
Then he is retired and the team that owns his rights loses. That won’t happen.
AtlSoxFan
The player has little choice.
The new team owns the rights. Player’s only recourse is to retire, or, tell the team trade me or I will retire.
If the team believes him them maybe they rather get something than nothing, but, I doubt many would do anything. More likely the player gets blackballed and gives up their career
cgallant
I like this better for the Sox
AZPat
It truly is a sad day for Jeter Downs’s parents.
ffrhb14Sox
Can’t be worse than any day they realize they named their son Jeter.
Whiskey and leather balls
Good return for the sox, mighta asked for one of the dodgers pitching prospects since they are giving them 48 mill but Downs has some tools and Verdugo will be manning centerfield cheaply for years to come. And they could still re-sign betts next year
Psychguy
That’s what whining, complaining, and not being able to read medical records can do for you. Not to mention make players and their families go through turmoil because you don’t have your sh it together.
ffrhb14Sox
Wow, you sound bitter.
theredsoxrule
seeing how these guys are millionaires im 100% sure they weren’t going through any turmoil…
quietstorm3
Jeter Downs will be a good ball player.
Cooperdooper7
Red Sox are not done now— next move is sending Bradley to Padres for either a SP straight up or taking Myers contract and two pithcing prospects, like Baez and Quantril.
If it is straight up for a Pitcher, then they will sign Puig for 1 year 7 Mill incentive based contract
Bradley replace Margot as CF who was traded earlier today.
bobtillman
Might happen, since, per MLB.com, Pads are also looking for a LH bat and a CFer.
Of course, the Padres would only be getting the bat, not anybody to swing it….certainly not Bradley……
(Sorry…love ya JBJ, but you can’t hit a watermelon with a tennis racket…)
wrongway2011
Agree. Red Sox should sign Puig.
bruceperdew
Where are all the Red Sox fans saying that the Dodgers would not get Betts without trading Lux & May now???
Dorothy_Mantooth
Including 1/2 of Price’s contract really changed the cost of this deal. If the deal was for Mookie only, the Sox would have held out for one of those guys (most likely May). They still made out pretty well all things considered. Best case scenario is that this turns out to be a win-win-win in the long run. Only Boston gets worse in this deal for 2020 on the field, but their future looks a lot better.
chitowninwi
Doyers are lookin to win now to end their WS drought, if they do they’ll say goodbye to Betts and many others, just like many previous team’s…
DodgerBlueSince82
Contending teams “overpay” for rental players at the trade deadline virtually every season. Had Boston held on to Betts until the 2020 trade deadline, the Dodgers or any other team looking to acquire him would no doubt have had to give up a similar haul for less than half the amount of time. The difference here is that the Dodgers already know they’re legit WS contenders and they get their rental for the entire 2020 season. And not to mention a solid SP in Price.
The Dodgers FO as well as anyone who pays attention to MLB knows that Betts plans to hit the FA market! That’s not news to anyone! As a Dodger Fan, I’m happy that the organization is willing to take the “risk” and trade for one of the best players in all of baseball!
JTSmith Reds
Eventually Red Sox fans will be excited to see Jeter Downs play for them. I see him being the stand out player from this trade. Only wish Cincinnati would have kept him and traded someone else.
bigbluewreckingcrew
Betts is a one year rental. Boston got too much in return imo.
Rickey O'Sunnyvale
you’re opinion is wrong. You’ll change it after about three weeks of watching Mookie.
.
rs4713
The Sox got a decent pair of prospects on that deal. Downs is legit plus the catcher wong is not bad either.
rs4713
Does that means Downs will take over for Xander when he walks ? You know Xander will be the one asking for crazy money
Ashtem
Downs to second base
butch779988
When is Xander walking? LOL
Eatdust666
Lol @u he walked 76 times last year, which was second on the time, only behind Betts, who had 97, of course.
Dorothy_Mantooth
They locked up Xander for 5/100 last year, so he’s ‘walking’ in 2025.
User 589131137
Disappointed in Friedman for giving into Boston’s bush league bullsh*t. But at least Betts is finally free! And watch the Dodgers develop Graterol into the starter Boston couldn’t.
Bruin1012
Or watch Graterol need TOS. Hope that is not the case for the kids sake but would explain a lot.
Cooperdooper7
You are ignorant…. I just do not get the stupidty of so called baseball fans that do not understand the trade was agreed on PENDING MEDICALS, and the fact that the teams do not get to fully examine them until the deal reaches the agreement.
rs4713
Watch Graterol becomes a beast.
Dorothy_Mantooth
If the reports are true that he weighs 270lbs then he has already become a beast!
sufferforsnakes
Ouch!
themaven
A top five player for a year,three years of an aging but still pretty good starter,48 million and the draft pick the Dodgers will get if Betts signs elsewhere in free agency for five years of Verdugo(a nice all around player),Downs( a very nice prospect) and Wong(meh).
Gotta give the edge to the Dodgers the edge in this deal,but the Red Sox did OK in their first attempt to climb out of the luxury tax hell that Dombrowski left them in.The thing is they are going to have to keep shedding contracts like this since they are barely under the tax now.
With sanctions headed their way for the Cora-gate scandal,this could get really ugly really fast, considering their already depleted farm system will probably be losing future draft picks,and a lot of the players with big deals will be hard to move.
JoeBrady
I think the big surprise, if you can call it that, will be Price. He’s an injury risk, but he was superb for the RS in the first half. I think he will be a star for the LAD, at least for one year.
InPolesWeTrust
I like this package of young controllable talent Boston received. It would’ve been nice to get pitching prospect but Downs had a great 2019 and could be the 2nd in 2021.
RickEO
This Red Sox organization is the best in baseball until proven otherwise
AtlSoxFan
Uhhh…. I love the red sox, but, they are NOT currently the best org in baseball. Sorry.
GMB 883
themaven: Whst sanctions? We keep hearing that the Red Sox will probably only get a fine as MLB couldn’t find much on the RS for sign stealing. Apparently Cora didn’t bring it with him from Houston. JD Martinez said the Sox did not cheat and we are hearing the players told MLB there was no cheating on their team. Cora was let go / mutual agreement over what happened in Houston. Too much of a distraction with the questions all season. Some are saying he might not be suspended because he was not the Mgr or GM in Houston and they could have ended it all by saying no.
Also a local Boston writer said after this deal the Sox will be $18M under the CBT. People forget that they did not sign some of the larger contracts the had (Porcello etc.), Luigi traded, Brock Holt $5M not resigned etc.
AtlSoxFan
That local writer if just looking at the AAV of the contracts.
You also have to consider money owed to manny, pablo’s buyout, now price’s salary, and insurance/benefits expenses.
You add all that up boston is under the cbt by a hair – maybe 2 million.
Extra money might come from trading JBJ (or releasing him and paying the prorated amount which frees up about 8-9m if no trade)
Jeremy1593
I swear the Red Sox front office saw my post when the deal broke out
Lovinmlb
D for Dodgers. They went from a A for the previous failed trade to a D maybe a F. Havnt thought on it but 1st reaction is bad. I just really like the 2 prospects they gave up. Maybe they know they are busts. Time will tell. If so trade them for something better then a rental. Now will Mookie put enough people in the seats for 1 year to make up for the prospect value? I doubt it but we will see.
Boston gets a A. Love the 2 prospects and the salary dump. No pitcher but quite the hall. If prospects busy they still get a good major leaguer.
TWINS A. Get a #3 starter for a reliever prospect with injury concerns.
JoeBrady
It depends on Graterol’s health, but this is a good all-around deal.
I think LAD overpaid, but Downs had no place to play, assuming both he and Lux are destined for 2B.
MN got 4 years of an SP for a huge arm with health issues.
For one year of Betts’ 6.6 WAR, they got 5 years of Verdugo, 6 years of Downs, and a lottery ticket with Wong, plus getting under the cap, and all the benefits with that. IMHO, this was a killing for the RS.
LetThereBeLux
Wong, Downs and $10M for Graterol, the 67th pick in the 2020 draft and Raley (AAAA OFer) is what the new iteration boils down to for the Dodgers end if it. Although they wouldn’t do that deal on it’s own, when you combine it with the fleecing of a deal they had already in the bag, the Dodgers would take it 100 out of 100 times
norcalblue
Jeter Downs was recently rated the #6 prospect in the LAD system by Baseball America. With limited range, he’s not going to be a major league SS. His primary asset is an above average bat. BA compares him to Josh Harrison. Graterol would seem to have a much higher ceiling.
bradthebluefish
Agreed
Drew4578545
The mixture of opinions in his thread shows that it was a good trade for everyone. Excited for the season. Dodgers better whomp the West (yet again) and win the World Series. I neeeed one bad.
bradthebluefish
The original trade was better even with Graterol’s injury concern. Still, glad to see the Sox move on from a sophomoric pitcher and a former MVP who refuses to do an extension.
Tko11
How so? You think the Sox need a high upside reliever over a potential everyday player like Jeter Downs (who ranks about 40 spots higher than Graterol on prospect ranking)?
holycow16
Enjoy being a regular season champ Mookie!!
Cooperdooper7
You are ignorant…. I just do not get the stupidity of so called baseball fans that do not understand the trade was agreed on PENDING MEDICALS, and the fact that the teams do not get to fully examine them until the deal reaches the agreement.
Jim Emmons
Way to go ‘Cooperdooper7′ Sweet talk ’em
wrongway2011
Predictions for 2020:
Betts signs with LAD during Spring Training for 10 years, $375M. Turns out, he really wanted out of Boston.
2020 performance:
Betts: 21 HR, .285 AVG – Dodgers immediately regret signing him.
Price: 11-6, 3.85 ERA – Misses at least 5 starts with injuries.
Verdugo: 15 HR, .290 AVG – Nice player.
Downs: AAA 20 HR, .320 AVG – Top 10 prospect.
Wong: AAA 20 HR, .260 AVG – Top 100 prospect.
Graterol: AAA 2-2, 4.50 ERA – injury problems.
Dodgers get to WS, but lose. Price gets bombed by NYY. Betts bats .115 in WS.
Red Sox win 90+ and wild card spot.
Jim Emmons
Let me guess: A Boston fan?
ironcity341
now the Bosox need to find a sucker for SALE
MafiaBass
WHY do the Red Sox have a guy named Jeter in their farm system!?
Jim Emmons
Hoping he’s as good as the other one; ‘the one who shall not be named’. Call him Downey if it’s easier for you. Lol
Bucket Number Six
So, Verdugo ends up with the Yankees, Jeter flames out and goes to Japan, and Wong sticks with the Red Sox. Mookie signs an extension and the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series, but Price opts out of playing that year because of a little thing called COVID.