Once it became evident the Boston Red Sox were committed to a Mookie Betts trade this offseason, negotiations with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres began to gain traction. The Dodgers eventually pulled away from their National League West counterpart and struck a deal.
The three-team trade called for the Dodgers to receive Betts, David Price and cash considerations; with Alex Verdugo and Minnesota Twins pitching prospect Brusdal Graterol heading to the Red Sox; and Kenta Maeda bound for Minnesota.
But the trade has been in limbo since being agreed to on Tuesday night, and now the Twins have reportedly set a deadline for their involvement. If they are to walk away, the Dodgers and Red Sox conceivably could rework a trade and deal directly, or loop in a new third team.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Red Sox have prioritized finalizing a trade with the Dodgers, but if progress isn’t made, the Padres and other teams could again become involved:
(2/2) If the Sox and Dodgers can’t come to a deal, other teams – including the Padres – could jump back into the mix for Betts. No deal likely to happen before Sunday.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 8, 2020
Initial indications were the Red Sox had concerns over Graterol’s medicals and thus sought additional compensation in the trade. However, it now appears their front office may have been influenced by public reaction to the original framework of the trade.
Considering the Dodgers have the most to gain and lose in the three-team trade scenario, some believed they ultimately would step in and provide the Red Sox with another prospect or lessen the amount of cash being included to help cover Price’s remaining salary.
In addition to a deal with the Red Sox and Twins, the Dodgers came to terms on a secondary trade that would send Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling to the L.A. Angels. That too remains on hold as Boston, L.A. and Minnesota attempt to find a solution.
As noted, Maeda could still find himself with the Twins once all the dust settles. It would be a welcomed opportunity for the right-hander, as he’s grown frustrated with regularly pitching out of the bullpen for the Dodgers.
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