LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers and four-time All Star outfielder Mookie Betts have agreed to terms on a massive 12-year contract extension, running through 2032.
“I’m super excited about this opportunity,” Betts said during a press conference Wednesday. “The goal is to bring back some rings over this period of time and that’s what I’m going to be here and work for."
Though the team did not disclose the terms of the deal, MLB.com reports that the extension deal is worth $365 million over the life of the contract — breaking a record set by a 10-year, $360 million extension deal between the Los Angeles Angels and outfielder Mike Trout last year.
Betts, 27, was a superstar addition for the Dodgers in the offseason. He was acquired in February alongside former American League Cy Young Award winner David Price from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Alex Verdugo, and minor leaguers Jeter Downs and Connor Wong.
Betts took home the 2018 American League MVP, finishing eighth on the ballots in 2019, is a four-time AL Golden Glover, a three-time AL Silver Slugger, and a four-time All-Star.
The extension is a boon for the Dodgers. Betts was due to enter free agency after the 2020 season — now, should they stay together for the life of the deal, Betts will remain a Dodger well through the prime of his career, until his age-39 season.
"This is the day that we have been dreaming about and for it to come true, it is truly a blessing," Betts said referring to his parents, whom he also thanked for their support. "I'm super happy to be a part of this organization for the rest of my career."
Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, who was present at the conference, spoke highly of Betts' work ethic saying he was always the first guy on the field doing drills.
"What really stood out to us in the couple months of being around him was his work ethic. The burning desire to get better on a daily basis," Friedman said. "I think the tone that he will set and the standard for our young players that are in our clubhouse now and also the ones that will come up in the future will leave an indelible mark on this organization.”
Friedman said talks about keeping Betts on the team for the rest of his career began in March before the pandemic. He added that the decision to extend the contract now shows "the faith we have in things getting back to normal."
“The goal is to win championships — that’s what we’re all focused on and we can’t wait for the first one, to bring it back to our incredible fans, and we’re going to get greedy after that,” Friedman said.