Fansided

5 teams that should start planning a trade for Mookie Betts

By Joshua Sadlock

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 29: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after being doused by Gatorade after scoring the game winning run on a walk-off single hit by Rafael Devers #11 during the ninth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles on September 29, 2019 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 29: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after being doused by Gatorade after scoring the game winning run on a walk-off single hit by Rafael Devers #11 during the ninth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles on September 29, 2019 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 05: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox returns to the dugout after hitting a home run against the Minnesota Twins during the fourth inning at Fenway Park on September 05, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 05: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox returns to the dugout after hitting a home run against the Minnesota Twins during the fourth inning at Fenway Park on September 05, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

4. Houston Astros

The Astros have plenty to focus on right now as they try for their third World Series in three years, but the idea of acquiring Mookie Betts and installing him in the outfield next to George Springer and Michael Brantley has to appeal to the front office. The move would allow Houston to take Josh Reddick and Jake Marisnick, the weak links in their outfield, out of the lineup.

Houston pulled off a stunning deal for Zack Greinke with the Arizona Diamondbacks at the 11th hour at the trade deadline this year, so they can never be counted out in any high-stakes pursuit. The Astros are gradually creeping up into the upper echelon of teams in the league when it comes to payroll but have not blown past the luxury-tax threshold. There could also be some financial flexibility in the future for Houston if they choose not to pursue a long-term deal with ace Gerrit Cole.

Having pulled off one of the greatest rebuilds in MLB history, the Astros truly have an embarrassment of riches. They have money to work with, young hitters and still have prospects waiting in the Minor Leagues. Houston has not tied themselves to any bad contracts, and their analytics-driven approach to pitching seems capable of turning almost anyone into a Cy Young candidate. Wade Miley won 14 games this year with a sub-4.00 ERA for crying out loud!

If the Astros do win the World Series this year, it would most likely take them out of the equation for a Betts trade. Potential chips to offer the Red Sox would include Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez or Forrest Whitley. The Astros have moved with calculated precision since their rebuild ended, so if they feel Betts can be had, they’ll be involved in the market.

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