On Feb. 10, 2020, the Los Angeles Dodgers finalized their three-team trade with the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins to acquire Mookie Betts and David Price. It marked the end of a whirlwind period that saw multiple deals fall apart.
The Red Sox initially were set to receive Alex Verdugo and Brusdar Graterol, but sought additional compensation after taking issue with the latter’s medicals. The right-hander instead was sent to the Dodgers for a package that centered around Kenta Maeda.
Having assumed perceived risk with Graterol, the Dodgers restructured their trade for Betts and Price by sending Verdugo, Jeter Downs and Connor Wong to the Red Sox. Boston included cash considerations to help pay for roughly half of Price’s remaining $96 million salary at the time.
The Dodgers also saw a separate agreement with the L.A. Angels fall apart after owner Arte Moreno reportedly grew frustrated over the delay with the Red Sox and Twins. The reported deal would have sent Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling to Anaheim in exchange for infielder Luis Rengifo.
The outcomes couldn’t have been more favorable for the Dodgers, as Graterol filled a key role in the back of the bullpen while Pederson came up big during the postseason. Stripling also provided much-needed depth after Price opted out of the 2020 season, until his trade to the Toronto Blue Jays in August.
As for Betts, he exceeded lofty expectations in his first season with the Dodgers, earning numerous accolades and helping the organization win its first World Series since 1988.
Betts proud of achieving goal with Dodgers
After the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series, Betts raved about his first season with the team and how proud he was to accomplish his biggest goal so quickly. Betts played a pivotal role in the 2020 postseason, both defensively and at the plate.
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