Mookie Betts Addresses Being Traded by Red Sox: ‘I Wanted to Stay’

The former Boston star was sent to the Dodgers before the 2020 season, and gave an honest assessment of the move on Monday.

It’s been over three years since the Red Sox made the controversial decision to trade former American League MVP and fan favorite Mookie Betts to the Dodgers in a move that was largely financially motivated. With Los Angeles owning the National League’s second-best record and Boston currently sitting on the outside of the AL playoff picture, Betts discussed the now-infamous trade as a guest on the Foul Territory podcast, which is co-hosted by former Red Sox teammate Brock Holt.

Betts, who helped guide the Dodgers to a World Series title in 2020, said on the podcast that it was his desire to remain with the Red Sox not just for the ’20 season, but for the rest of his playing days.

“I know people don’t believe it, but I wanted to stay in Boston my whole career,” Betts said. “That was my life. I knew everybody there. It was a short flight to Nashville. It was perfect.”

Betts debuted for the Red Sox in 2014 and made four consecutive All-Star appearances from ’16 to ’19. He was voted the AL MVP in ’18, the same year Boston won the World Series and posted a 108-win regular season mark.

Betts was shipped to Los Angeles in February 2020, in exchange for a package that, in hindsight, looks like a steal for the Dodgers. Boston sent over Betts and pitcher David Price and received outfielder Alex Verdugo, catcher Connor Wong and shortstop Jeter Downs. The Red Sox have made the postseason just once in the four years since Betts was traded, while the Dodgers have been there every year.

Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, Betts signed a 12-year, $365 million contract extension. When asked on the podcast whether he would have signed the same deal to stay with Boston, Betts replied, “100%. But that didn’t happen.”

Despite that sentiment, Betts said that he was happy with his new team and how everything has worked out.

“It was actually kind of a blessing in disguise. My family loves it. It’s a different way of life. The weather is beautiful,” Betts said. “You never have to worry about the hot sticky stuff or the freezing cold and everything up in Boston. Being in L.A. has been awesome. I’m really happy.”