“Absolutely, I just didn’t get it” - When Mookie Betts revealed he’d have stayed with the Red Sox for $365 million
During the 2011 MLB draft, the Boston Red Sox selected Mookie Betts in the fifth round. He was drafted as a second baseman, and quickly made his way through the minor league system.
He made his big-league debut during the 2014 season, and switched to the outfield in 2015. This is where Betts started to shine and never looked back. He quickly became a star in Boston, but that is not where he would stay.
Ahead of the 2020 season, Boston traded Betts to the LA Dodgers. The two sides were unable to come to an agreement on a contract extension in Boston, which Betts could not wrap his head around. He mentions he would have taken the same 12-year, $365 million deal if Boston had offered, via MassLive.
"Absolutely, I just didn't get it. That's the argument, I didn't get it, so that's why I am where I am," said Betts.
Betts wanted to stay with the Red Sox but to no avail. He was looking out for what is in the best interest of himself and his family, and that was to chase his goals on a new squad.
"Do what you want to do and do what's best for your family. There is no right or wrong. It's a decision you make and you live with that decision" said Betts.
Mookie Betts is looking to add a second World Series title with the Dodgers
During Mookie Betts' first season with the Dodgers, he took home his second World Series title. He had won one with the Red Sox in 2018, the year he also won the AL MVP. Now, the All-Star slugger is looking to bring yet another title to LA.
If Betts could achieve another World Series title this season, he would join a small list of players with three rings to their name. The only active on this list is Kansas City Royals pitcher Will Smith. Joe Kelly would also join Betts as he was with Mookie when they won their World Series in Boston and LA.
That would be quite the accomplishment given just how hard it is to win the Fall Classic. Just look at Mike Trout's story. He has only played in three postseason games during his 14-year career. This goes to show just the kind of player Betts is and also how well he's been surrounded throughout his career.