The Boston Red Sox have had a tough offseason so far.
Despite making some key additions, signing Japanese slugger Masataka Yoshida and closer Kenley Jansen, the fanbase is reeling over the departure of Xander Bogaerts.
While the Yoshida signing was an important move to strengthen the team’s lineup, they were once again reminded of how lopsided the Mookie Betts trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers was.
To make room on the 40-man roster for their new slugger, the Red Sox designated shortstop Jeter Downs for assignment, one of the players they had acquired from the Dodgers in that deal.
Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reported the news.
The Red Sox have designated Jeter Downs for assignment to make room for Masataka Yoshida.
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) December 15, 2022
Red Sox Still Haunted By Betts Trade
Almost three years later the Red Sox organization, as well as the fanbase, are haunted by one of the most lopsided trades in recent history.
While they managed to acquire a solid bat in Alex Verdugo, he pales in comparison to what Betts brings to the table.
In the three years the Red Sox have been without Betts, they have finished at the bottom of the American League East twice.
They made a surprise run to the ALCS in 2021, but ultimately fell short against the Houston Astros.
The team has lost both Betts and Bogaerts in a three-year span.
To make matters worse, catcher Christian Vazquez was traded to the Houston Astros at the trade deadline.
Needless to say, fans are not happy with President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom, and won’t be until a big splash is made in free agency.
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