Mookie Betts Tells Jim Rice Boston Is “Home” Didn’t Want To Play For Anyone Else

So in case you missed it, Mookie Betts was traded yesterday. With one year left on his contract, the Red Sox traded him to the Dodgers for Alex Verdugo and Brusdar Graterol. You can read my thoughts on the deal here.

Former Red Sox great Jim Rice says that he spoke to Mookie after the trade. Rice claims Mookie told him This is my home. I don’t want to go anyplace else.”

Yeah, I have a problem with this. Big one. Mookie Betts made it very clear he was going to test free agency. Money was his priority. That’s fine. Go grab your check. I have no issue with that. Don’t be the guy who claims he wanted to stay and then was unwilling to budge in any contract negotiations.

Reports suggest the Red Sox offered him a 10-year extension worth $300 million. Guy who wants to stay and can’t envision playing anywhere else takes that deal or something close to it. Mookie countered with 12-years at $420 and insisted over and over he wanted to test the market. K. You go do that. 12 years, $420 is an irresponsible deal for anyone. Paying 39-year-old Mookie that kind of money isn’t smart.

Hey, Xander Bogaerts made it clear he wanted to stay with Boston. He took far less than he could have gotten on the open market. So did Chris Sale. Same with Dustin Pedroia. Mookie wanted the bag and that’s fine. Just don’t pretend you prioritized staying over the cash. It could be the best thing for both sides. I wouldn’t rule out a Mookie Betts reunion. No reason why Boston couldn’t win the bid in free agency.