Betts gets raise in arbitration

AL MVP Mookie Betts and the World Series champion Boston Red Sox agreed to a $20 million, one-year contract, a raise of $9.5 million that was for a few hours the highest for an arbitrationeligible player.

The Red Sox reached deals with all nine players eligible for arbitration ahead of Friday’s scheduled swap of salary figures. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts got a $12 million contract and outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. got $8.55 million.

After beating the Red Sox in arbitration last offseason, the 26-year-old Betts led the major leagues in batting average (.346) and slugging percentage (.640) and was second in on-base average (.438). He also had 84 extrabase hits, including 32 home runs, and stole 30 bases. He also won his third straight Gold Glove.

Betts can also make more in award bonuses. He is eligible for free agency after the 2020 World Series.

All-purpose player Brock Holt ($3,575,000), pitchers Matt Barnes ($1.6 million), Eduardo Rodriguez ($4.3 million) and Brandon Workman ($1,150,000) and catchers Sandy Leon ($2,475,000) and Blake Swihart ($910,000) also reached agreements. Pitcher Steven Wright got a deal for $1,375,000 on Thursday night.

YANKEES SIGN LEMAHIEU

The Yankees signed threetime Gold Glove second baseman D.J. LeMahieu to a twoyear contract on Friday, a source confirmed, potentially complicating whatever pursuit they had for one of this offseason’s more coveted free agents, Manny Machado.

The move is pending a physical and reportedly worth $24 million. LeMahieu,who has played all four infield positions in his career - though only four games at shortstop - could easily serve as a utility infielder for the Yankees. The Yankee have both Gleyber Torres and newly signed Troy Tulowitzki who can play shortstop. Didi Gregorius, who had been the starting shortstop, had Tommy John surgery in October and it’s unclear when he will be ready to play.

Meanwhile, Machado is a Gold Glove third baseman who has expressed a preference for returning to his natural position at shortstop, where he played most of last season with the Orioles and Dodgers. All of this would lend itself to something of a crowded infield if the Yankees were indeed to sign Machado. Between Tulowitzki, Torres and third baseman Miguel Andujar, the glut on the left side points to the distinct chance that Machado will land with one of the other teams he has visited in free agency, the Phillies and White Sox. Machado is reportedly seeking a deal near $300 million, and though general manager Brian Cashman had dinner with Machado and his agent, Dan Lozano, last month, it’s unclear how far negotiations went and if the Yankees made an offer.