BOSTON -- Trading Mookie Betts is not a foregone conclusion, not for Tom Werner anyway.
The Red Sox team chairman said on Friday that the team has had talks with Betts' agents within the past two weeks and remains hopeful that the reigning American League MVP can be signed to a contract extension.
"We've stated publicly that we would hope he would stay with us the rest of his career," Werner said. "We have made proposals to him in the past and he did want to test free agency, which is his right. And we'll have some conversations with him going forward. But obviously there'll be a point where hopefully we can make a deal or we'll decide at that point what is plan B or plan C, but we haven't gotten to that point and we're very open to continuing discussions with him."
Betts has one year of arbitration eligibility remaining after signing a one-year, $20 million contract to avoid arbitration this season. He's due $28 million-$30 million this winter, but if the red Sox decide he's not interested in staying long term, they'll have to explore moving him.
Werner disputed the notion that Betts wants out.
"No, I think he loves the Boston Red Sox," he said.
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Betts, who turns 27 Oct. 7, began the day hitting .294 with 29 homers, 79 RBI, and a 6.9 WAR that ranks sixth in the American League.
"We think he is one of the great players in baseball," Werner said. "Hopefully, there is a meeting of the minds going forward."
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