LOS ANGELES. – Los Angeles Dodgers star player, Mookie Betts, confirmed that he plans to retire from professional baseball once the 2032 season concludes, when the contract that binds him to the Los Angeles organization ends.
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The outfielder and now infielder is a four-time World Series champion, three of them with the Dodgers, in addition to having been American League Most Valuable Player in 2018 with the Boston Red Sox. In July 2020, he signed a contract for 12 years and 365 million dollars with Los Angeles, shortly after arriving via trade from Boston. In six seasons with the Dodgers, Betts records an OPS of .867, has been called to four All-Star Games and has been a fundamental piece in the championships of 2020, 2024 and 2025. Currently 33 years old, Betts is preparing to play his 13th season in the Major Leagues in 2026 and will continue to be a pillar of a Dodgers squad that aspires to achieve a third consecutive title.“My parents were always there for me, and I want to do the same for my children,” Betts expressed, noting that by then his youngest daughter will be 14 years old and his son 10.
Orioles Emerge as the Best Fit for Framber Valdez in the Free Agent Market
MLB.– Dominican pitcher Framber Valdez remains the highest-caliber arm still available in free agency, and various analyses suggest that the Baltimore Orioles would be the team where his impact could be greatest.
Although interest in Valdez did not develop as quickly as expected —due to factors such as his age, workload, and the Astros’ qualified offer—, the market is beginning to reactivate after the signing of other stellar starters. Valdez, a left-hander specializing in generating ground balls, has produced a ground ball rate of 62% since 2021, ranking among MLB leaders and leading the Majors in double plays induced during that period. This profile makes the infield defense key to maximizing his performance. In that regard, the Chicago Cubs present the best defense among the interested teams; however, factors such as the number of left-handed batters faced, the divisional environment, and the real need for starters place Baltimore as the best overall destination for the Dominican player. The Oriole Park at Camden Yards, along with a rotation that still lacks a dominant pitcher with high WAR production, reinforces the argument in favor of the Orioles, who are looking to compete head-on in a highly demanding division. Baltimore already reinforced its offense with important additions during the winter, but to establish itself as a real contender against the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Red Sox, the addition of “Framber Valdez” could prove decisive.
