Dodgers: Should the Dodgers trade for Mookie Betts this off-season?

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 29: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox runs to first base during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on September 29, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 29: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox runs to first base during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on September 29, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 30: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox runs between bases during the MLB London Series game between Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees at London Stadium on June 30, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

Reasons why the Dodgers shouldn’t trade for Mookie Betts

One of the main reasons why the Dodgers shouldn’t trade for Mookie Betts is that it would be a risky move with Betts one season away from free agency.  He has already rejected one contract offer and seems set on testing the free-agent waters after the 2020 season.  Unless the Dodgers plan on offering Mookie a monster contract, they would be getting him for one season.

That leads us to the next reason to be against a Mookie Betts trade which is the player cost.  Bleacher Report recently came up with possible trade packages for Mookie Betts and from the Dodgers, they suggested Joc Pederson, Dustin May, and Dennis Santana.

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Joc and Santana would be a no brainer but including May for one season of Betts could backfire as much as the Yordan Alvarez trade.  Dustin May has frontline starter potential so if he is going to be cashed in as a trade chip, the Dodgers should look for a player that is under control for at least a few seasons.

In addition to giving up a premier young pitching talent like May, Mookie Betts would take up at least 27 million of the Dodgers’ payroll space for the 2020 season.  Acquiring him would essentially rule out any other big upgrades like Gerrit Cole or Stephen Strasburg.  While the Dodgers’ offense could always use another star slugger, they need a number two starter behind Walker Buehler.

Trading for Betts would essentially be one of those “going all in” type moves although nothing would come guaranteed as far as postseason success.  Betts himself has struggled in the postseason, posting a slash line of .227/.313/.341 with just one home run across 88 postseason at-bats.

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The Mookie Betts trade rumors will be just one more topic for Dodger fans to follow this off-season.  Andrew Friedman is always good for at least one surprise trade each off-season.  One thing is for sure and that is Knox Kelly hoping the Dodgers do land Mookie in a trade this winter.