Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports that the San Diego Padres have shown interest in acquiring Red Sox superstar outfielder Mookie Betts.
Lin says recent talks have focused on “significant” prospect talent and Padres outfielder Wil Myers.
The Red Sox have roughly $230 million committed for the 2020 season and owner John Henry has said he would like to see them under the $208 million luxury tax threshold. Red Sox went over the luxury tax in 2019 and paid a record $13.4 million luxury tax bill.
Betts will make $27 million in 2020, his final year of control before hitting free agency for the first time. Betts has finished in the top 10 for MVP (winning in 2018) in four straight seasons and averaged 8.4 WAR during that time.
Myers, 29 and coming off -0.3 WAR season, is due $20 million over the next three seasons and has a $20 million team option for 2023 with a $1 million buyout.
Lin also notes in the article that the Padres have expressed interest in Pirates outfielder Starling Marte, though the talks have cooled, likely due to asking price.
Of course, Marte has been a hot topic with the Mets showing interest early in the offseason and reportedly talking to the Pirates recently as well.
