FORT MYERS, Fla. — When news broke Tuesday afternoon that Manny Machado had agreed to a whopping 10-year, $300 million deal with the San Diego Padres, the focus at JetBlue Park quickly shifted to Mookie Betts’ impending free agency.
The superstar Red Sox right fielder is set to hit the free-agent market in 2021 unless the two sides negotiate an extension. The Red Sox this offseason signed Betts to a $20 million contract, a record for a player in his second year of arbitration eligibility.
Machado’s deal bodes well for Betts, who could be looking at upwards of $400 million if he hits the free market in two years. Still, though Machado signing for big money is good news for the 2018 American League MVP, Betts is hesitant to speak on how it could affect his future.
“I mean, we’re different players,” Betts told reporters on Tuesday. “I can’t speak on anybody else’s free agency, I’m just going to worry about me.”
Betts was asked whether it’s a relief for him to see a premium free agent finally earn an attractive contract during what’s been a tremendously slow free-agency period.
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“There are still a lot more guys out there, so it’s kind of hard to say,” Betts said. “One of the best closers in the game [Craig Kimbrel] is still out there and a young guy that’s one of the best in the game too [Bryce Harper], so it’s kind of tough to say if it’s good. But I guess it’s somewhat of a step in the right direction.”
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Now that there’s a clearer idea of where the market stands for Betts, is he more receptive to what the Red Sox might have to say about an extension?
“Uh, no. No. It’s still tough to do,” said Betts. “There are still a lot of guys out there so it’s obviously not easy and I’m kind of just focused on what’s going on right now.”
With both Harper and Kimbrel still out there, it's hard to see where the market will eventually settle. But Red Sox manager Alex Cora had an optimistic reaction to Machado’s mega-deal.
“Good for Mookie?” Cora was asked after being informed of Machado’s contract.
“Good for baseball, man,” Cora replied. “Good for baseball.”
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