The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB), are no strangers to bold moves, especially when it comes to acquiring top-tier talent. Their commitment to excellence and winning has driven them to make aggressive moves in the trade market, and the current roster reflects a blend of veteran presence and dynamic, young talent. However, the Dodgers may be at a crossroads that could require them to make an even more daring decision in the near future. A potential trade involving Mookie Betts, one of their most valuable players, could become a pivotal moment in the team’s trajectory.
In this article, we’ll explore why the Dodgers could move Mookie Betts and what kind of trade they might pursue to acquire an $260 million eight-time All-Star. We’ll examine the factors that could drive such a move, the potential targets the Dodgers may be eyeing, and the broader implications for the team’s future.
The Case for Moving Mookie Betts
Financial Flexibility
Mookie Betts has been an outstanding player for the Dodgers since being traded to the team in 2020, but his contract, which runs through the 2032 season, presents a significant financial commitment. Betts is set to make over $30 million annually through the life of his deal, with a $65 million salary in 2027. While Betts is undoubtedly one of the best players in the game, the Dodgers have a history of maintaining financial flexibility while also making high-profile acquisitions.
The Dodgers could potentially free up substantial payroll space by trading Betts, which could then be reallocated to other positions, particularly to secure a coveted player or to bolster the team’s pitching staff. A trade could allow them to stay under the luxury tax threshold, which is an increasingly important concern for teams that are trying to build for both the present and future.
Age and Long-Term Value
Mookie Betts is currently 31 years old, which is still within his prime years, but he is not getting any younger. The next five to six seasons of his contract could see a decline in performance, and the Dodgers will have to consider whether it’s worth holding onto Betts for the long haul, especially with an eye on rebuilding for future championships. Moving Betts at the peak of his value could be a smart decision for the team if they believe that they can still compete for championships in the short term without him.
Furthermore, the Dodgers may be looking to transition toward a younger core, focusing on developing homegrown talent. Trading Betts for prospects or a combination of proven MLB players and young stars could allow the team to build around the future while still contending for the present.
Positional Depth
The Dodgers have solid depth across the board, particularly in the outfield. They have young players like James Outman, who has shown flashes of potential, and top prospects like Diego Cartaya, who could eventually step into a major league role. Moving Betts could open up an everyday spot for one of these players to take on a larger role, while also improving the Dodgers’ overall roster composition.
While Betts is a five-tool player who contributes in nearly every facet of the game, the Dodgers may believe that a more balanced roster, with a greater emphasis on pitching or adding to other positions, could be their key to building a championship team for the next decade.
External Pressures and Market Opportunities
A potential trade of Mookie Betts would likely come down to a combination of the Dodgers’ internal evaluations and the external market dynamics. The Dodgers are always looking for opportunities to improve their roster, and if the right deal arises, they could jump on it. Moreover, with several teams looking to make significant moves in an increasingly competitive MLB landscape, the market for a player of Betts’ caliber might present opportunities for the Dodgers to add multiple assets, including top-tier players or prospects.
The $260 Million Eight-Time All-Star
Now that we’ve outlined why the Dodgers might be open to trading Mookie Betts, let’s examine which players could potentially be the target of a blockbuster trade. One possible scenario could involve a trade for an $260 million eight-time All-Star, a player whose performance and reputation can help the Dodgers immediately and contribute to their quest for more championships.
An ideal candidate could be a top-tier starting pitcher or a power hitter—two positions that could help address the Dodgers’ roster needs. Players of this caliber are typically locked into long-term deals, and a trade for them would involve significant financial and player assets. Let’s explore a few possible names that could fit the profile.
Starting Pitchers: The Dodgers’ Need for a True Ace
The Dodgers’ pitching staff has been a point of focus for several years. While the team has an excellent rotation, including the likes of Clayton Kershaw and Julio Urías, they have lacked the type of true ace that could elevate the entire staff. Trading Betts could help the Dodgers acquire that ace.
One pitcher that stands out is Max Scherzer of the New York Mets. Scherzer is a future Hall of Famer with a proven track record of success in the postseason. While his deal is lucrative ($43 million per year through 2024), his pedigree and ability to pitch at the highest level make him an attractive target for a trade. A deal for Scherzer would bring a veteran presence to the rotation, giving the Dodgers another bonafide ace for their push to contend for championships.
Another pitcher that fits the bill could be Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees. While Cole’s deal is worth roughly $324 million over nine years, he is one of the best pitchers in baseball, and his ability to dominate on the mound could be the missing piece the Dodgers need to take their pitching staff to another level. Acquiring a player like Cole, even with a large contract, could be a logical move for the Dodgers as they look to maximize their chances for success.
Power Hitters: A New Addition to the Dodgers’ Lineup
Another potential option is to trade for a big power hitter who could join the middle of the Dodgers’ lineup. One name that could emerge is Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies. While Harper’s deal is even larger than Betts’ ($330 million), his combination of power, discipline at the plate, and leadership could make him an ideal fit for the Dodgers. A trade for Harper would involve absorbing his massive contract, but it would also bring one of the most dynamic players in the game to Los Angeles.
Another power bat that could make sense is José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians. While Ramírez is more of a middle-of-the-lineup hitter rather than a traditional slugger, he offers both consistency and power, and he could slot into the Dodgers’ lineup as a game-changing presence. While Ramírez isn’t currently making close to $260 million, the cost of acquiring him could be worth it if the Dodgers are looking for a more balanced lineup with a player capable of driving in runs.
The Trade Package: What the Dodgers Would Give Up
In a trade for a high-profile player, the Dodgers would likely need to give up more than just Betts. Depending on the trade, the package could include top prospects such as Diego Cartaya, Bobby Miller, or Miguel Vargas. These prospects have shown promise and could attract teams looking to build for the future.
Alternatively, the Dodgers might need to part with additional players on the MLB roster. This could involve moving some of their younger outfielders or other players who could help balance the trade. Given that the Dodgers have a strong farm system and several major league-ready talents, they have the assets to make a move for an elite player while maintaining their competitiveness.
