Boston Red Sox leader David Ortiz believes that young star Mookie Betts will be worth $250 million one day. Is he right?
Sam Galanis of NESN reported earlier this month that Ortiz felt that the Red Sox will have to spend quite a bit of dough on Betts, if they wish to keep him for the long term: “The Red Sox designated hitter apparently paid close attention to the free-agent contracts being handed out this offseason, leading him to pull Betts aside to tell the outfielder he’ll probably be worth a lot of money someday. In fact, Ortiz believes the 23-year-old outfielder will be worth $250 million.”
As far as center fielders went in 2015, Betts was among the elite. With all of his highlight-reel catches, his bat also did some of its own talking. Even though he didn’t make the All-Star team for the American League in his first full season, Betts was so important to the Red Sox that he hit 54 RBIs and a .333 batting average with runners in scoring position. Those numbers were good enough to rank fourth in all of Major League Baseball, just behind Andrew McCutchen with 69 RBIs and a .361 average.
The same was true in late or close games. Betts had 64 at-bats in that situation and earned eight RBIs and a .297 batting average, just behind MLB golden boy Mike Trout‘s nine RBIs. Trout only had a .222 average in 10 less at-bats than Betts in that category.
Galanis also added that “what really strikes Ortiz is how quickly (and successfully) Betts makes those adjustments. An amazed Ortiz told Olney that if he gives Betts advice, he’ll see him use it in ‘the next at-bat.'” The proof is in his numbers. Betts hit a slash line of .291/.341/.479 with 18 home runs and 77 RBIs at the tender age of 22.
So far this spring, Betts has hit four home runs in forty at-bats for a .275 batting average. While only being listed at 180 lbs, Betts is looking to add even more power to his frame this season, while making the adjustments necessary to help his game progress.
While Betts has until 2021 to be a free agent, he’s eligible for arbitration in 2018. Judging by his quick rise to success, one would think that Betts should have a big payday when the time comes. If the Red Sox don’t play fair with Betts in 2018, he may seek a team to pay him elsewhere three years later, or even sooner if he puts the pressure on for a trade. Boston has the opportunity to lock him down while he’s still a growing, young man.
However, will he be worth the $250 million that Ortiz suggests?
Since last year, manager John Farrell has already moved Betts into right field, in favour of Jackie Bradley Jr. in center field. Will that disrupt his game? Well, in 2015, as a right fielder for 11 games, Betts hit .326/.408/.419 in 49 plate appearances. A small sample-size to be sure. However, with many big hitters playing both right and left field for their respective teams, will Betts be able to perform among those elite players to be worth $250 million.
Only time will tell. Until then, the Red Sox are just happy to be betting on Betts for at least the short-term future.