Dodgers sign Mookie Betts to mega deal

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Stephen Bologna, Sports Editor

Just 24 hours before the Los Angeles Dodgers open up their 2020 season against the San Francisco Giants, they lock up their major trade acquisition and 2018 AL MVP Mookie Betts to a 13yr/$380 Million contract.

The Dodgers pulled off a trade for Betts on February 11, with every intention of extending his contract before he hit free agency at the the of 2020.

The Red Sox acquired top prospect Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs and Connor Wong, in exchange for Betts and David Price.

Betts was drafted in the 5th round of the 2011 MLB draft and made his big leagues debut in 2014. The fans of Boston fell in love with Betts, but as trade rumors grew, he was booed and hated on by Sox fans.

Betts has been nothing short of sensational the past few seasons. In 2019 he slashed .296 with 29 home runs and 16 stolen bases and led the league in runs wit 135. This is looked at as a down year by many.

Betts is considered one of the top players in the game today. His numbers certainly back that claim up as he is a four time all star and a three time silver slugger award winner.

However his 2018 MVP campaign was one for the record books. He batted an incredible .346 with 32 home runs and 30 stolen bases, leading the league in runs, batting average and slugging percentage. He has also posted four straight seasons of at least 100 runs, 40 doubles and 20 home runs. Incredible.

You certainly can’t overlook his defense as he has won a Gold Glove in each of his last four season and has 93 defensive runs saved since 2016, according to ESPN.

The Dodgers have arguably the best young core in the MLB today and adding Betts to the mix for 13 more seasons, make the Dodgers a potential dynasty in the making.

They have made the world series in two of the last three seasons. They were defeated in both of those series, but recently, we have learned both the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox were sign stealing with illegal technology.

The Dodgers will open the season as the favorites to win the 2020 World Series, and in big part because of Betts. He will headline a star-studded roster with the likes of Cody Bellinger, Clayton Kershaw, Waker Buehler and Corey Seager.

The extension will include the 2020 season, so an extra 12 years is what will be added to his new contract.

This deal makes Betts the second highest paid player in terms of value, only behind Mike Trout. This deal locks up Betts until the 2032 season and will look to rewrite the record books while dawning the Dodger blue.