Pitchers and catchers are yet to report for the 2020 MLB season, but major drama and intrigue has already begun to unfold. After an 84-78 third place finish in the AL East, the Boston Red Sox are completely shaking things up, trading star outfielder Mookie Betts and stud pitcher David Price to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Red Sox will receive Dodgers outfielder Alex Verdugo among other compensation. Boston will send cash to Los Angeles to complete the deal, which also involves the Los Angeles Angels receiving the Dodgers’ speedy Joc Pederson.

UPDATE 2/4/20 9:46 PM ET: It appears the Los Angeles Angels may not be the third team in the trade, but rather the Minnesota Twins. The Dodgers will ship RHP Kenta Maeda to the Twins, who in turn will send RHP Brusdar Graterol to the Red Sox. (Source: Ken Rosenthal)

Last season, Betts hit .295 with 29 home runs and 80 RBI. His addition to the Dodgers lineup makes the offense even more high-powered. Betts is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2020 season, so the Dodgers are only guaranteed his services for one season.

Price, now 34 years old and on his fifth major league career, isn’t the All-Star and Cy Young contender he used to be in Tampa Bay. But in four seasons with the Red Sox, Price had a solid 46-24 record with a 3.84 ERA. In 2019, Price went 7-5 with a 4.28 ERA. While no longer a top of the line starter, the Dodgers are still receiving a serviceable pitcher.

The Dodgers, who went 106-56 in 2019 to claim the top record in the National League, hope the trade will allow the team to remain a regular season powerhouse, while also help them complete a deep playoff run and capture an elusive World Series title.

Header Photo Credit: Associated Press via wvcb.com

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