Weeks of speculation gave way to an agreement on a Mookie Betts trade between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox, which also includes the Minnesota Twins as a third team.
The deal also called for the Dodgers to receive David Price, with Alex Verdugo the centerpiece of the return for the Red Sox. Speculation surfaced Dustin May was also being included in the trade, though that was later refuted.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are also believed to have a trade in place that will send Joc Pederson to the L.A. Angels, if and when their deal for Betts and Price is complete.
As for the Twins as a third team, they are receiving Kenta Maeda in exchange for Brusdar Graterol, who in turn is being flipped by the Dodgers to the Red Sox, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
#Dodgers sending RHP Kenta Maeda to #MNTwins for RHP Brusdar Graterol, who will be part of package going to #RedSox, source tells The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 5, 2020
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman just spoke highly of Maeda at Dodgers FanFest, expressing hope the right-hander would achieve his goal of making 30 or more starts per season. That has been a small point of contention as Maeda has been moved into the bullpen down the stretch of the season.
Earlier this offseason, Maeda’s agent indicated they were receptive to a trade if it would mean joining a team with more of a likelihood of remaining in the rotation. Maeda figures to receive that opportunity with the Twins, who don’t boast as much pitching depth as the Dodgers.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are adding a needed right-handed bat to their lineup and a starter with World Series success in Price. Of course, the veteran left-hander has some injury concerns, but he could wind up proving valuable in October.
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