"Why did Red Sox get rid of Mookie Betts?" - Reds HOFer claims Dodgers' $365,000,000 deal is 'steal of the century' in light of Juan Soto's Mets move

The Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 World Series as Mookie Betts clinched the Commissioner's trophy for the third time in his career. Former All-Star slugger Sean Casey believes the Dodgers pulled off the 'steal of the century' by signing Betts to a 12-year, $365 million extension. This sentiment is especially strong in light of Juan Soto's record-breaking contract despite being considered a two-dimensional player.

Betts played six seasons for the Boston Red Sox and was named American League MVP in 2018 when they went on to win the World Series. He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in his final season prior to reaching free agency before signing a long-term extension with the team. Betts has since won two World Series titles with the Dodgers within a span of just five years.

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Sean Casey believes that the contract extension for the eight-time All-Star is proving to be a massive bargain now, considering that Juan Soto signed a $765 million free agent deal to join the New York Mets. He offered his thoughts on the 'Baseball Isn't Boring' podcast to senior baseball writer Rob Bradford, who covers the Boston Red Sox (Timestamp: 22:38 - 25:05).

""Why did the Red Sox get rid of Mookie Betts?" he asked rhetorically. "They signed Soto for $765 million. You had the best player in baseball sitting there as you brought him up."

"Mookie Betts is making, what, $300 million?" he added. "It's the steal of the century for the Dodgers."

Betts currently stands alone as the most successful active player in the World Series, having won the title in each of his three appearances at the Fall Classic.

Mookie Betts is everything you want: Sean Casey

Mookie Betts is the only active player to win the WorlD Series on three occasions (Image Source: Getty)

Sean Casey feels Mookie Betts is an extremely valuable player because he excels in different facets of the game. He said the Boston Red Sox are now regretting their decision to trade the outfielder instead of making him a franchise player by offering him a lucrative contract.

"He's so versatile," Casey said. "He runs. He hits. He hits with power. Great leader. He's a great personality. He's everything you want."

"I look back at that and I just don't understand," he added. "Why would you not offer him more than anyone ever even thought of?"

The Red Sox have not reached the World Series since Betts left the team, and they have missed out on the playoffs in each of the previous two seasons.