Betts likely to wait for free agency, previously declined $200M from Red Sox
Mookie Betts will continue to bet on himself.
One day after Mike Trout reportedly agreed to a record 12-year, $430-million extension, the Boston Red Sox star outfielder said he doesn't plan to sign a new deal until hitting free agency after the 2020 season.
"I didn't expect anything to happen until I'm a free agent. It’s just one of those things where you've just got to go out and play," Betts said Wednesday, according to Rob Bradford of WEEI.com. "You can't worry about the economics of the game right now. They have to take care of what they have to take care of and I have to take care of what I have to take care of.
"The common thing is to win a World Series and I think it's something we definitely both want to do."
Boston's front office has been vocal about wanting to lock Betts up long-term, but the two sides have yet to come to an agreement. The outfielder confirmed earlier reports that he rejected an eight-year, $200-million extension from Red Sox following the 2017 season.
The 26-year-old has emerged as a superstar in Boston and is coming off a career year in which he was named AL MVP and won his first World Series. Though he doesn't expect to sign until reaching free agency, he hasn't closed the door on entertaining offers.
"Why not? You should definitely keep your ears open and see what is said," he said. "But that doesn't mean you necessarily have to agree on or take whatever is given.
"Like I said, I love it here. I think this is a great place to be to spend your career here. But that doesn't mean you should sell yourself short."
This winter saw a number of star players land record contracts. Free agents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado signed for $330 million and $300 million, respectively, while Nolan Arenado inked an eight-year, $260-million extension with the Colorado Rockies.
"I'm well aware of what is going on and what could potentially go on but right now I have to take care of baseball and I've got 24 other guys I have to go out and get ready for," Betts said. "That's definitely first and foremost."
Betts is set to earn $20 million this season before entering his final year of arbitration eligibility. If he doesn't agree to an extension, he'll hit free agency after the 2020 season, headlining a group that could include George Springer, Jacob deGrom, and Trevor Bauer.