Mookie Betts is blocking out the noise.
As the Boston Red Sox embark on a busy offseason, it’s a near certainty that teams across the league will inquire about Betts, especially if the club intends to land a big name on the trade market. Betts is unfazed by the inevitable trade rumors, though. The 22-year-old instead is focused on building on his strong 2014.
“I’m not going to worry about it,” Betts told the Providence Journal’s Tim Britton on the final day of the Red Sox’s season. “Wherever I end up is wherever I end up. If I’m back here, I’d be more than happy to come back here and play wherever they tell me. If I go to a different team, that’s fine, too. I’m not going to worry about it. My plans are to come back here.”
Betts was an intriguing prospect entering the season. His stock soared even higher as he learned to play the outfield and thrived at the major league level. Betts hit .291 with five homers, 18 RBIs, seven stolen bases and a .368 on-base percentage in 52 games with Boston.
As it stands, Betts figures to be a big part of the Red Sox’s 2015 plans. He emerged as a dynamic leadoff hitter and it’s easy to envision an Opening Day outfield comprised of Betts, Rusney Castillo and Yoenis Cespedes. But that doesn’t mean Betts is safe from trade speculation, as clubs undoubtedly realize the Red Sox will be looking to make a splash this offseason in the hopes of returning to contention in 2015.
“Teams are going to adjust, and it’s going to be my job to adjust back,” Betts told Britton of sustaining his early major league success. “So I can’t get too high because I know there are going to be some adjustment periods. … I think I just showed myself that I have the confidence and I have the ability to play.”
There’s no doubt Betts can play at the highest level, regardless of all other chatter.
Photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
