Betts loves Boston, reluctance to ink extension 'part of the business'

Mookie Betts has an eye on free agency following the 2020 campaign, though he made it clear Monday he isn't planning a departure from the Boston Red Sox.

"I've loved it here," the All-Star outfielder told Christopher Smith of MassLive. "I love the front office, my teammates, coaches. Everybody. It's been nothing but amazing here. Just because you go to free agency doesn't mean you don't want to be somewhere. It's just a part of the business."

Betts reportedly turned down an 8-year, $200-million proposal from the Red Sox after the 2017 season. Boston again looked into the possibility of a long-term extension following his MVP campaign in 2018, but there was resistance.

"I've always said I loved it here. It's been amazing to me, my family," he said. "It's ... like a home to me. It's been all I know. And just because you exercise something in the business, that doesn't mean I don't like it."

While he hasn't replicated the ridiculous numbers he posted a year ago, Betts still leads all Red Sox regulars in on-base percentage (.398) and is third in total WAR (3.6). The 26-year-old would command a king's ransom if the Red Sox dared to make him available before the trade deadline - something Betts conceded has crossed his mind with Boston out of a playoff spot.

"I have to go out and put on my uniform every day," he said. "And if that time comes, that time comes. But right now I'm here, and I'm enjoying my time here. It's above my pay grade."

Betts has earned four All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves, two Silver Sluggers, an AL batting title, and a World Series championship with the Red Sox.