During the 2013 trade deadline, the Boston Red Sox were close to making a significant deal involving one of their top prospects, Mookie Betts. Rick Hahn, then general manager of the Chicago White Sox, revealed that he had asked for Betts in exchange for veteran starting pitcher Jake Peavy. However, the Red Sox declined the offer, opting to keep Betts in their farm system.
This revelation highlights the delicate nature of trade negotiations during deadline season, when teams must balance short-term needs with long-term potential. At the time, Betts was still developing in the minors, but Boston’s decision to hold onto him ultimately paid off.
White Sox GM’s Proposal and Red Sox Response
Rick Hahn shared the story recently on MLB Network, explaining that he initially requested Mookie Betts as part of the trade package for Jake Peavy. However, Boston’s then-general manager Ben Cherington firmly refused. This decision prevented the White Sox from acquiring a future star and led to Boston retaining a player who would later become a key figure in their success.
“Rick Hahn just told MLB Network he asked for Mookie Betts in return for Jake Peavy in 2013. Ben Cherington said no. Dodged a bullet on that one,”
—Matt McCarthy, 98.5 The Sports Hub
Impact of Mookie Betts’ Development and Boston’s Trade Strategy
By declining to trade Betts, the Red Sox preserved their chance to develop him into a superstar athlete. Just five years later, Betts played a crucial role in Boston’s 2018 World Series championship, validating the team‘s long-term investment in his talent. Meanwhile, Boston did eventually acquire Jake Peavy, who contributed to the club’s championship run that same season, showcasing the complex decisions at play during trade deadlines.
Current Red Sox Moves and Playoff Hopes
Fast forward to the present, and the Red Sox have recently bolstered their bullpen by acquiring left-handed reliever Steven Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals ahead of the latest trade deadline. While improving the bullpen is a positive step, the team still faces several areas needing reinforcement to strengthen their chances in the ongoing playoff push.
Despite some early deadline activity, the Red Sox have remained relatively quiet as the deadline approaches, leaving room for additional trades before the 6 p.m. ET cutoff. How they choose to address remaining roster gaps could be pivotal for their postseason ambitions.