BOSTON — Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington needs to watch himself. The Betts family is coming for his job.
OK, not really. But Mookie Betts, who inherently has been the subject of speculation by virtue of his status as an elite prospect, said Thursday his family and friends have paid attention to this offseason’s trade chatter. The 22-year-old, on the other hand, is more focused on preparing for this season.
“Pretty much all the time,” Betts said with a smile when asked how often his family/friends contact him with the latest trade rumors. “They try and keep up with all the stuff. I guess they want to play GM.
“They let me know all the things that are going on. But that’s just what they do outside of baseball. I’m on the inside, so I kind of know how everything works. I know I can’t worry about that.”
Betts is expected to be part of Boston’s starting outfield this season after bursting onto the scene in 2014. He hit .291 with five homers, 18 RBIs, seven stolen bases and an .812 OPS in 213 plate appearances, solidifying himself as a potential leadoff option for the Red Sox in 2015.
Betts already had been considered one of the best prospects in baseball, but his stock soared even higher with his major league success. There are plenty of teams across baseball — probably 29, in fact — that would love to pry the former fifth-round pick from Boston’s grasp.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a commodity,” Betts said modestly. “I try not to think about it too much. I know I just want to put on a uniform, whoever it is. I’d love to stay here. They have a great fan base and everything. Just knowing that I’m still here, I’m really happy and I know I’ll be going to spring training ready to play.”
With success comes recognition, unless, of course, you’re Brock Holt, who said Thursday he’s not recognized in his native Texas despite his major league accomplishments last season. Betts’ fast start hasn’t gone to his head, though. He’s still adapting to life as a major leaguer.
“I’ve had a couple,” Betts said of whether people on the street recognize him as a Red Sox. “I’m not David Ortiz or (Dustin) Pedroia or anybody, but I’ve had a couple. I can’t worry about that too much. But it is kind of fun to be recognized a little.
“And I’m more than positive people know who Brock Holt is, especially how good he is and how good of a year he had last year. He’s just being Brock, pretty much.”
As for Betts’ armchair GMs, their opinions apparently vary on whether they’d trade their good friend Mookie. Such is the life of being one of the most promising young players in baseball.
“I had a little of both,” Betts said. “But again, I can’t worry about it. Just come in ready.”
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
