“How do you not lock Mookie Betts up forever?” - MLB analyst on Red Sox’s 'egregious' trade

On Friday, sportswriter Grant Brisbee talked about Mookie Betts and his move to the LA Dodgers. After being drafted by the Boston Red Sox and spending six seasons at Fenway Park, Betts landed with the Dodgers in 2020.

In his time in Boston, Betts grew into one of the biggest talents in the major leagues, winning the 2018 AL MVP. However, the Red Sox ownership did not prioritize negotiations to extend Betts' contract, and with free agency only a year away, the organization decided to trade the outfielder.

In a clip posted to the 'Foul Territory' X page on October 25, Brisbee talked about what he thought was a major mistake by the Red Sox.

"That's the most egregious one [after hearing comment about Boston's unwillingness to pay for Betts' value]... How do you not lock Mookie Betts up forever? How are you not in 20 years just remembering the decades of Mookie Betts on the Red Sox?" Brisbee said [0:44]

"He is as close to a no-brainer when it comes to the locking up as it gets. We're not talking about [a situation like] Barry Bonds and the Pirates. You're the Red Sox, sign Mookie Betts, keep him as long as it takes." Brisbee added [0:58]

Eventually, the Dodgers secured Betts' services. Upon the completion of his previous contract, the Blues promptly made sure of extending his stay in LA, as the outfielder signed a 12-year, $365 million deal in 2021, which included a $65 million signing bonus.

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Mookie Betts looks to add a third World Series title to incredible trophy cabinet

Mookie Betts is commonly regarded as one of the best baseball players on the planet. Since making his debut for the Boston Red Sox back in 2014, the 32-year-old has gone on to establish himself as one of the best hitters in the game.

Though it may not always occur with every great player, in Betts' case, the trophy cabinet matches his quality. In his 11 years playing in the big leagues, Betts has eight All-Star caps, an AL MVP award, six Silver Slugger awards, six Gold Gloves, an AL batting title, and two World Series rings, among other honors.

Betts shows off his World Series ring after winning the 2018 title with the Red Sox - Source: Getty

Now, the Dodgers' No. 2 hitter has the chance to make it a perfect trio of World Series appearances. If the Blues come out on top at the end of the 2024 Fall Classic, Betts will have come out on the winning side all three times he's ever been to baseball's biggest event.

Dodgers fans will be hoping their team can maintain the kind of form and fighting spirit they've shown throughout the regular season and playoffs in 2024, and bring the Commissioner's Trophy back to LA after a four-season gap.