In Reply to: Re: Dang, that Betz contract is Pujols-like* posted by TheHappyBurgermeister on October 30, 2025 at 22:39:57
Betts' value this year given his defense was about even with Pujols' first year in Anaheim. At this point Mookie effectively has 7 years $214M left on the contract. After his first year Pujols had 9 years $216M left (significantly more money given inflation). Of course Mookie has already had 4 all-star caliber seasons under this contract, so the existing value proposition is completely different.
It turned out Pujols had one above season over the final 9 years in Anaheim. It seems highly unlikely the same will be true for Mookie's final 7 years. He may not be an MVP candidate again as he was just two years ago, but when a guy has by far his worst season and it comes after a serious illness to start the season there's a good chance it's a bit of a blip.