Dodgers’ Mookie Betts says he ‘wanted to stay in Boston my whole career’

It’s been over three years since the Boston Red Sox traded an All-Star mookie bets to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Since the trade, Boston has missed the second postseason in the last three years, while the Dodgers won the 2020 World Series and they have been arguably the best team in the National League.

Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers plays second base against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 17, 2023, in Baltimore. (G Fiume/Getty Images)

The trade was shocking at the time, and Betts’ recent comments won’t make the decision to move the seven-time All-Star any easier for him. red sox fans to the stomach

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“If I had stayed in Boston, I don’t know if I would have started and be who I am today. Boston is just a different culture, a different life there than in Los Angeles. And different opportunities,” Betts said on a recent episode of the “Foul Territory” podcast.

“Being in L.A., moving to L.A. was probably…I wasn’t really ready for that though. I know people don’t think so, but I wanted to stay in Boston for my whole career. That’s where I grew up. That’s my life. I know everyone there. It was a short flight to Nashville. It was perfect.”

Mookie Betts runs to the dugout as a member of the Red Sox

Boston Red Sox’s Mookie Betts runs to the dugout during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on September 29, 2019 in Boston. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Betts was asked if he would have signed a deal similar to the one he signed with the Dodgers ($365 million) with Boston, and the 2018 American League Most Valuable Player he said he “100%” would have signed with the Red Sox.

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“One hundred percent. But that didn’t happen,” Betts said. “Actually it was kind of a blessing in disguise. My family loves it [Los Angeles]. It’s a different way of life.”

Betts signed a 12-year, $365 million contract extension with the Dodgers in July 2020.

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Mookie Betts after hitting a double

Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after hitting a double during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on July 21, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Betts was traded along with pitcher David Price for three prospects, including outfielder Alex Verdugo, who has hit .285 in four seasons with the Red Sox.

The Red Sox are 2 1/2 games behind the toronto blue jays for the final wild card spot in the American League, while the Dodgers lead the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants by four games in the NL West.

Betts is hitting .277 with 27 home runs in 99 games of the 2023 season.

By Mitchell G. Patton

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