Boston Red Sox Discuss Trading Mookie Betts To West Coast: Report

The Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres have been talking about a mega-trade revolving around former MVP Mookie Betts, according to a report. And it likely wouldn't be a very exciting deal for Sox fans.

Dennis Lin of The Athletic first reported the potential deal, since confirmed by other outlets.

The trade would first and foremost be a salary dump by the Red Sox — one of the richest American sports franchises with the league's highest ticket prices — and an effort to recoup some value on Betts before he possibly leaves after this season. It has been long reported Betts does not want to continue his career in Boston, and the money it could take to keep the young superstar might be more than the Red Sox are willing to pay.

Boston owner John Henry has gone on record about ownership's willingness to get under the $208 million luxury tax line for this season — the team is roughly $20 million above that. Trading their best player would be a step back on the field, but a step forward in the checkbooks.

The trade would also see players coming back to Boston, with the potential deal reportedly involving Wil Myers. Myers, 29, has had an uneven career since breaking into the league and winning Rookie of the Year with Tampa Bay. He has three years and $60 million left on his contract, so Boston wouldn't be getting total payroll relief in the trade.

San Diego, which has struggled to be competitive for the better part of this century, is also loaded with cheap young talent that could push the trade across the finish line.

Whether Betts goes to San Diego or not, expect to hear his name in trade talks until he's either dealt or the summer trade deadline passes.

The Red Sox have to decide whether to try their best to contend this season or begin a reloading process while slashing payroll. The recent parting of ways with popular manager Alex Cora could persuade them this is a lost season, further nudging them to trade veteran players for youth and payroll flexibility.