Last year, All-Star right fielder Mookie Betts decided to reject a massive $300 million extension from Boston Red Sox in hopes of commanding an even bigger contract in 2020. That probably won’t happen now due to the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic, but it appears that Betts doesn’t have too many regrets about it.
Betts, who was in the meantime traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, had a chat with reporters on Monday and discussed his decision to turn down the Red Sox. According to the 27-year-old, he isn’t questioning his choices regardless of the situation and will worry about getting a new deal once he officially hits the free-agent market.
“I don’t regret turning down that,” said Betts. “Once I make a decision, I make a decision. I’m not going back and questioning myself. I don’t worry about that. The market will be what the market is. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
According to Betts, his main concern is the health and safety of players ahead of MLB 2020 season start.
“Right now, it’s just the [health and safety] things that I’m worried about. That whole thing [free agency] is on the back burner,” he added.
Elsewhere in the conference, Betts confirmed that he has doubts about the return of baseball but that he “fully expecting to play” this year.
Reportedly, Mookie Betts was interested in staying with Boston but wanted an extension worth around $420 million. Figuring they can’t get close to that number, Red Sox shipped him to LA in exchange for outfielder Alex Verdugo and prospects Connor Wong and Jeter Downs.
During his six years in MLB, Betts managed to establish himself as one of the best position players in baseball at the moment. He made the All-Star selection in the past four years while winning AL MVP in 2018 and helping the Red Sox to World Series win in the same year.
