Two years ago this week, Mookie Betts and the Dodgers entered into a committed relationship.
In the uncertain, unsettled early months of the coronavirus pandemic, Betts made a very certain, very settled decision about his future, agreeing to a 12-year, $365 million contract with the Dodgers and signing away most of his working life before ever playing in a game that counted for them.
Only one player will earn more over the life of their current contract (Mike Trout, $426.5 million over 12 years). No Dodger has ever signed for more or for as long. The contract will pay Betts through his age-39 season and continue paying him deferred money into 2044 – a year that seems pulled from a science fiction movie.
