February 2020. That was the month when the baseball world collectively lost its mind. If you are a Boston fan, you remember where you were when the news broke that the Red Sox were actually going to do it—they were shipping off their homegrown MVP. If you're a Dodgers fan, you probably felt like it was Christmas in February.
But if you want the exact specifics for the history books, the answer to when did Mookie Betts join the Dodgers isn't just one date. It’s a series of high-stakes moments that reshaped the National League for the next decade.
The Official Move: February 10, 2020
The trade was officially finalized on February 10, 2020.
Honestly, the lead-up was a mess. There was an initial three-team deal involving the Minnesota Twins that almost fell through because of concerns over a pitcher’s medical records (Brusdar Graterol, who actually ended up being a stud for L.A. anyway). After a few days of frantic renegotiating, the Dodgers and Red Sox pushed the deal over the finish line.
Los Angeles sent Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs, and Connor Wong to Boston. In return, they got the crown jewel of baseball: Mookie Betts. Oh, and they also picked up David Price and a chunk of cash to help cover his massive contract.
By February 12, Mookie was standing at a podium in Dodger Stadium, rocking a crisp white jersey with that iconic blue script. It felt surreal then. Looking back now, it feels like the moment the Dodgers' modern dynasty was born.
The "Lock Him Up" Moment: July 22, 2020
Even after the trade, there was a huge "what if" looming over Los Angeles. Betts was in the final year of his contract. There was a very real possibility that the Dodgers had traded away their future for a one-year rental, especially with the pandemic shortening the season to just 60 games.
💡 You might also like: Is TJ Watt Playing Today? Why the Steelers Star is Already Home
That fear evaporated on July 22, 2020.
The Dodgers didn't just want Mookie for a summer; they wanted him for life. They signed him to a monster 12-year contract extension worth $365 million. When you add in the $27 million he was already making for 2020, the total commitment was $392 million over 13 years.
Basically, Mookie isn't going anywhere until at least 2032.
Making His Debut
If you’re looking for his first actual game in the uniform, that happened on July 23, 2020. It was Opening Day against the San Francisco Giants. It was weird, right? No fans in the stands, cardboard cutouts everywhere, and fake crowd noise pumped through the speakers.
Despite the eerie atmosphere, Mookie did exactly what Mookie does. He started in right field, batted leadoff, and picked up his first hit as a Dodger—a sharp single to center.
💡 You might also like: Yokohama F. Marinos vs Al-Nassr: The Tactical Chaos No One Expected
Why Did Boston Let Him Go?
You’ll still hear Red Sox fans arguing about this at bars in Southie. It basically boiled down to money and "luxury tax" concerns. The Red Sox had offered Mookie several extensions—one was reportedly around $300 million for 10 years—but he turned them down.
Betts knew his worth. He wanted a deal that reflected his status as a top-three player in the game. Boston’s front office, led by Chaim Bloom at the time (though the mandate came from ownership), decided they’d rather get something for him than lose him for nothing in free agency.
In hindsight? It looks like one of the most lopsided trades in sports history.
Alex Verdugo was a solid player for Boston but never a superstar. Jeter Downs eventually got designated for assignment. Connor Wong has turned into a decent catcher, but none of them are Mookie Betts. Meanwhile, Mookie has been winning Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers, and World Series rings like they're party favors.
The Immediate Impact in 2020
The trade paid off faster than anyone expected. In his very first season, Betts finished second in the NL MVP voting. More importantly, he was the missing piece that finally pushed the Dodgers over the hump.
During the 2020 postseason, he turned into a human highlight reel.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Amon-Ra St. Brown Black Jersey is More Than Just a Lions Alternate
- That catch against the Braves in the NLCS? Ridiculous.
- The home run in the World Series clincher against the Rays? Iconic.
When he crossed home plate in Game 6 of the 2020 World Series, the "one-year rental" talk was dead. He had delivered Los Angeles its first title since 1988 in less than nine months on the job.
Where Does He Stand Now?
As of today in 2026, Mookie has firmly established himself as the heart and soul of the Dodgers. He’s moved from right field to second base to shortstop and back again, showing a level of versatility that basically doesn't exist at the superstar level.
He’s not just a "Boston guy" anymore. He's a Dodger legend.
If you're keeping track of his milestones, he's already surpassed 1,700 hits and is closing in on 300 home runs. Most experts agree that when he finally hangs them up, he'll be wearing a Dodgers cap on his Hall of Fame plaque.
Key Takeaways for Fans
If you're trying to win a trivia night or just settle an argument, here is the essential data on the Mookie move:
- The Trade Date: February 10, 2020 (Official announcement).
- The Extension: July 22, 2020 (The 12-year, $365 million deal).
- The Debut: July 23, 2020 (Vs. San Francisco Giants).
- The Cost: Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs, and Connor Wong.
- The Result: A World Series title in his first season and multiple rings since.
The Dodgers didn't just trade for a right fielder; they traded for a culture. Since he joined, the team has maintained a level of excellence that is the envy of the league.
For anyone looking to dive deeper into how this trade compares to other historic "fleeces," you should check out the trade values of the players Boston received versus Mookie's WAR (Wins Above Replacement) since 2020. The gap is staggering. It’s a masterclass in why big-market teams should never be afraid to pay for generational talent.