The Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Minnesota Twins were involved in a three way blockbuster trade this past off season. The trade included 2018 AL MVP Mookie Betts and starting pitcher David Price. The deal was centered around Betts and Price, both of whom have larger salaries the Red Sox can no longer afford. The deal was likely put into the Dodger’s favor as they gave up Alex Verdugo to the Red Sox and Kenta Maeda to the Twins. To see the lopsidedness of the trade, let’s take a look at the resume of each player.

Dodgers- acquired Mookie Betts (BOS)…Mookie Betts- 2019- .295 average, 29 home runs, 80 RBIs, .391 OBP, and 16 stolen bases: Betts had a down year in 2019 compared to his 2018 MVP campaign but still was really solid. He’s won the Gold Glove in each of his last 4 seasons making him a plus defender to go along with 4 straight All Star appearances. He was a main piece in the Red Sox 2018 championship run and has proved himself to be a top right fielder in the MLB and the best right fielder in the American League. He will immediately make an impact in the Dodger’s lineup.

David Price-2019- 22 games started, 7-5 W/L, 4.28 ERA, 107.1 innings pitched, and 128 strike outs…David Price is far off from his Cy Young winning prime, but he is sure to add depth in the Dodgers rotation. The Red Sox most likely traded him to cut his 31 million dollar per season salary. The Dodgers acquired him but in order to make room for him, they traded away Kenta Maeda to the Twins. 

Red Sox- acquired Alex Verdugo (LAD) and Brusdar Graterol (MIN)…Alex Verdugo- 2019-. 294 average, 12 home runs, 44 RBIs, .342 OBP: Alex Verdugo has only played in 158 career games, but could be a solid outfielder with the Red Sox as he will most likely become an everyday player for Boston. Although his numbers do not exactly jump out at anyone, he has time to prove himself because he is only 24 years old.

Brusdar Graterol- 2019- 9.2 innings pitched, 10 strikeouts, 4.66 ERA: Graterol doesn’t even have 10 innings of MLB experience and it does not seem like he will become an important bullpen guy for Boston. He will likely spend at least his first season in the minors as he is only 21.  

Twins- acquired Kenta Maeda (LAD)…Kenta Maeda- 2019- 10-8 W/L, 4.04 ERA, 153.2 innings pitched, 169 strike outs: Maeda had another solid season with the Dodgers and will look to be a solid number 3 starter in the Twins rotation. As he continues to build a resume on the MLB, he will look to help the Twins powerhouse win the weak AL Central again. 

With the biggest trade this off season so far, the Dodgers received the best deals and players while not giving up too much at all. The Twins came in second as they gave up a no name pitcher for a established, decent starter while the Red Sox lost the best outfielder in the American League and a solid pitcher while receiving next to nothing in return.