Chaim Bloom continues to take the safe approach when it comes to conversations about Mookie Betts' future in Boston.
Bloom was asked on "NESN After Hours" about Betts' contract situation with the superstar right fielder set to become a free agent after the 2020 season. According to the Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer, who was hired in October, all options remain on the table.
“Well, I mean, you’re talking about, as you said, one of the great players in the game,” Bloom said. “We are thrilled to have him, and I know this organization prior to my arrival was happy to have him. Now we have to figure out how we go forward. I think where we are as an organization, we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t explore all of our options. But we do that recognizing we have a very good team and one of the best players in the game and we’re going to handle the situation accordingly.”
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This kind of answer from Bloom is predictable, but it's telling that a possible trade involving the 2018 American League MVP hasn't been ruled out.
Boston has been adamant about its goal to cut payroll before the new campaign, and parting ways with Betts certainly would help accomplish that. If there's no indication Betts is willing to commit beyond 2020, trading him for a haul of prospects does make sense. Still, as Bloom acknowledges, Betts is one of the best players on the planet and the organization should aim to lock him up long-term.
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