Red Sox’ Mookie Betts wins arbitration case

Mookie Betts has won his arbitration case and will make $10.5 million next season, multiple sources confirmed on Wednesday.

The two-time All-Star originally filed for the $10.5 million, and the Red Sox countered with a $7.5 million offer. The case was taken to the arbitration panel, who sided with the 25-year-old Betts.

In just his first season of arbitration eligibility, Betts’ contract is the second-largest ever for a player in the first year or arbitration. The highest ever was $10.85 million to former NL MVP Kris Bryant, which was agreed upon just months ago.

Betts finished second in the MVP voting in 2016 after leading the league in total bases and finishing the season with a 133 OPS+. His offensive numbers dipped in 2017, possibly due to a nagging wrist injury. Betts’ home run total dropped to 24 from 31, and his OPS+ fell to 108. Still, Betts is considered one of the best right fielders in baseball and will likely earn more pay increases in his next two seasons of arbitration eligibility, unless the Red Sox lock him up with a long-term deal.