One of the strangest sagas of the MLB offseason took another turn Saturday. According to various reports around the league, the Minnesota Twins will not participate in the blockbuster Mookie Betts trade. The Twins were supposed to send Brusdar Graterol to the Boston Red Sox, but medical issued emerged before the trade became finalized.
Update: Since publication, multiple reports have come out disputing this notion. As of this update, it sounds like the Twins are still willing to be a part of this three-team trade, but it’s anything but a guarantee.
MLB News: Minnesota Twins Out of Mookie Betts Trade
Graterol was supposed to go to the Red Sox as an indirect trade chip in the Mookie Betts blockbuster move. However, the Red Sox discovered something during his physical which caused the team to feel uneasy about his future. Boston believed Graterol to be a starting pitching prospect; however, the medical procedure caused them to re-evaluate their internal stance. The Red Sox reportedly wanted another top prospect from Minnesota, and the Twins decided that they’re better off keeping their current prospects.
This development represents a roadblock in any potential Mookie Betts trade, but it’s not the end of the road. The Dodgers and Red Sox still have time to work something out before the beginning of the regular season. Alex Verdugo still figures to be the centerpiece of the deal, but the Red Sox might ask for an additional prospect like Jeter Downs. The Dodgers appear unwilling to send away one of their pitching prospects, and it’s unlikely the Red Sox could find another third-team party.
Of course, this shouldn’t affect David Price‘s stock in the trade. Price remains likely to accompany Betts in any potential move. While the lefty remains a solid starter when healthy, Red Sox ownership feels the need to reset the luxury tax line. Trading Price is one of the best ways to do that, as his $30 million salary is far too high for what he represents at this point in his career.
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