MLB Rumors: Dodgers Dealing For Betts More Likely Than Trading For Lindor

Is a Dodgers trade with the Red Sox for Mookie Betts and David Price more likely than one for Francisco Lindor? Plus, notes on Josh Donalson and Nolan Arenado.

Throughout MLB's offseason, Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor has been at the center of a number of trade rumors. At one point, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported the Dodgers and Indians were in "serious talks" about the All-Star.

But according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Dodgers' negotiations with the Indians and Lindor have cooled, while Los Angeles' conversations with the Red Sox about acquiring MVP outfielder Mookie Betts have "become at least as frequent — and perhaps even more involved."

The Dodgers have reportedly been hesitant to include infield prospect Gavin Lux in any trade packages with the Indians. The Red Sox, however, reportedly appear "less insistent" on Lux and instead would be more open to a multi-player trade.

Morosi reports that Boston pitcher David Price also could be included in such a deal. Price is owed $96 million over the next three seasons and would help fill some of the holes left in LA's rotation following the free-agent departures of Hyun-Jin Ryu and Rich Hill.

The two front offices have another connection as well: New Boston chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom was hired by Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman nearly 15 years ago when Friedman was still with the Rays.

Still, as Morosi notes, Bloom "is unlikely to part with a former MVP (Betts) and a former Cy Young Award winner (Price) in his first major move if salary relief is the only benefit."

Check out the latest news and notes from around baseball: 

• Nolan Arenado has roughly a 50/50 chance of being moved this offseason. A half-dozen teams having checked in on him and Colorado prefers to move him outside the division. (Jon Morosi, MLB Network) 
• The Braves, Nationals and Twins have all reportedly made four-year offers for 3B Josh Donaldson (David O'Brien, The Athletic), (Mark Feinsand, MLB.com)
• If Donaldson doesn't sign with Washington, the team is reportedly looking at trade options. (Jon Morosi, MLB Network)
• The Reds, Cardinals and Rangers appear to be the frontrunners to sign slugger Marcell Ozuna. (Mark Feinsand, MLB.com)
•  Catcher Robinson Chirinos appears to be nearing multi-year deals worth $6-7 million annually. (Mark Feinsand, MLB.com)
• Reliever Will Harris has agreed to a deal with the Nationals for three years and $24 million, strengthening one of baseball's worst bullpens. (Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic)
• 3B Matt Davidson has signed a Minor League deal with the Reds, including an invite to big-league camp. (Mark Feinsand, MLB.com)
• The Red Sox have signed catcher catcher Kevin Plawecki after Cleveland non-tendered him. (Robert Murray, baseball writer)
• Catcher Jason Castro has agreed to  a one-year, $6.85M deal with the Los Angeles Angels. (Jeff Passan, ESPN)