Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts was one of the scant few highlights of a otherwise dark season at Fenway Park, yet there’s a chance the talented 22-year-old could begin 2015 in a different uniform.
According to the Providence Journal, the Red Sox would prefer to keep Betts — who hit .291 with five homers, 18 RBI and seven steals in 52 games — as part of a youth movement that will include SS Xander Bogaerts, 3B Will Middlebrooks and OF Jackie Bradley, Jr. General manager Ben Cherington “has harped on the importance of assimilating young talent on the major league roster.”
At the same tune, the Red Sox will be looking to make at least one huge move to retool a team that went 71-91 a year after winning their third World Series since 2004. In order to do so, Betts will be a prime candidate to be part of almost any trade Boston would make during the winter.
“They need two starting pitchers. They need a left-handed bat in the lineup. They need a third baseman. They could use a power-hitting successor to David Ortiz… You can bet opposing general managers will greet any phone call from Cherington with an inquiry about Betts’ potential availability.”
Betts’ plate discipline will be a key attraction to any team interested in him. He put together a .368 OBP and drew 21 walks compared to just 31 strikeouts.
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