Dodgers: Possible trade packages for Mookie Betts/David Price deal

MLB-ready package for Betts/Price

The Red Sox have been relatively inactive so far this offseason. While they finished 84-78, the BoSox were still 19 games back of their rivals in the Bronx in the New York Yankees. Without any really pressing need to win a ring after their 2018 World Series championship win over the Dodgers, the Red Sox may find it compelling to dump some salary and retool their Major League roster for the future, which will probably be built around Rafael Devers and Xander Boagaerts, a third baseman and shortstop.

With that in mind, how can the Dodgers contribute big-leaguers to this sort of team that is stuck between a bloated payroll and a transitional phase in an uber-competitive division in the AL East?

For starters, the Dodgers may need to take on David Price and his three-year, $96 million that is left on his contract with Boston. By taking on Price, the Dodgers could lessen the cost for Betts, the real key to any deal with the BoSox.

So, if the Red Sox don’t need help on the left side of their infield, what can the Dodgers offer?

LA has plenty of depth at the MLB level, so any deal with Boston is likely to include more than two or three pieces. The best fits with the Red Sox current roster would seem to be utility men and cost-controlled young bats, though young starting/relief help could certainly be appreciated.

The Red Sox have plenty of organizational infield depth, with Michael Chavis and Bobby Dalbec (a pair of third baseman with the ability to play at second base) both primed for big 2020 seasons. The team also added Jose Peraza, a former Dodgers prospect, this offseason. Peraza can play the middle infield positions and centerfield (to a certain extent). Because of these players, Chris Taylor and/or Kiké Hernandez may be less likely to be included in a deal for Price and Betts.

That means that the outfield is the best place to deal from, right?

Maybe. The team would certainly have to replace Betts in right field, even though left and center field are manned by Andrew Benintendi and Jackie Bradley Jr., a pair that is likely to remain together in Boston for the foreseeable future. With this pair in mind, the Dodgers could send Joc Pederson, A.J. Pollock or Matt Beaty over to play the outfield in this sort of trade. All are relatively cheap with decent power and some on-base skills. While Pollock is older and a little pricier, Beaty would certainly be a valuable piece, especially if coupled with a up-and-comer like Edwin Rios (who could be a promising DH in the future).

Alongside any bat would likely be a pitcher. While Ross Stripling, Kenta Maeda, and Tony Gonsolin all could make sense, all three are popular in the clubhouse and amongst Dodgers fans, so dealing them may sting too much for the front office to take. If Friedman is serious about acquiring Betts though, one or two of these starters may have to go, that is unless a few pitching prospects make their way into the deal…