#Red Sox chairman: Let’s revisit Mookie Betts’ deal in 12 years

Before he ever played a real game for the team, the Dodgers secured star outfielder Mookie Betts to a 12-year, $365 million extension. Red Sox chairman Tom Werner, who failed to reach a deal with the 27-year-old, isn’t sweating it.

“It’s always difficult to trade a talented player of Mookie’s caliber, but let’s revisit this conversation in 12 years,” Werner said on WEEI Radio, “Hopefully you [the hosts] and I will both still be here. That’s a very, very long-term deal for a team to swallow. You guys know as well as I do that the history of long-term deals is checkered at best. We made what we thought was a generous offer but for us it’s time to turn the page.”

The Red Sox reportedly attempted to extend Betts on at least three separate occasions, with the last offer exceeding $300 million, according to MassLive.com. Betts countered with $420 million, according to the report.

The coronavirus pandemic, specifically its economic ramifications, likely changed his demands in Los Angeles.

After failing to reach a deal, Boston shipped Betts along with lefty David Price to the Dodgers as part of a five-player deal. Both players were integral in the team’s 2018 World Series title.

Boston landed Alex Verdugo and two prospects in the deal.

“We tried, on a number of occasions, to make a deal with Mookie,” Werner said. “It was his desire to test free agency. Our last deal, I think everybody knows the number. It was a large number.”

With just one year left on his contract, the Dodgers risked the chance that Betts might play just one season with the team before entering free agency. Betts now likely will never hit the open market, however.

The Dodgers have stayed atop the NL West for seven straight years, but have notoriously come up short in October. Now, they hope the pairing of Betts and star outfielder Cody Bellinger will help take them over the hump.

Betts is just 2 for 12 (.182) in his first two games, but the Dodgers are still off to a 2-0 start.