The blockbuster three-team trade that sent Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday has hit a snag, according to The Athletic.
The deal was held up on Wednesday because of questions regarding the health of at least one player, though officials involved in the deal remain confident it will be completed, according to ESPN.
The deal would send superstar right fielder Betts, pitcher David Price and cash to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a three-way deal that also includes the Minnesota Twins. Boston acquired Dodgers’ 23-year-old outfielder Alex Verdugo, who hit .294/.342/.475 in 106 games last season, and Brusdar Graterol from the Twins.
Minnesota acquired 31-year-old righty hurler Kenta Maeda from the Dodgers, who was 10-8 with a 4.04 ERA in 153 innings as mostly a reliever and spot starter.
According to the ESPN report, the Red Sox were alarmed by a medical review of Graterol, who has undergone Tommy John surgery and missed time in 2019 with a shoulder injury. The 21-year-old right-hander was among the Twins’ top prospects, and is known for a fastball that can reach triple digits, according to MLB.com.
Nevertheless, the chance this speed bump could derail the trade is highly unlikely because other options exist to complete the deal, sources told ESPN. The players could be changed or the Red Sox could alter the amount of money amount they send Los Angeles to cover a portion of the $96 million Price is still owed.
Another possible option, according to the report, is the Dodgers and Red Sox could work out a two-team deal or include a new third team if the Graterol injury proves to be a non-starter for Boston.
