MLB Rumors: Mookie Betts Cleared in Red Sox Scandal Before Dodgers Trade

Before acquiring Mookie Betts from the Red Sox, the Los Angeles Dodgers contacted Major League Baseball to ensure he would not be implicated in the league's investigation into Boston stealing signs during its 2018 World Series run.

“I know with our front office, we do a lot of our due diligence before we make a deal,” manager Dave Roberts said, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. “We have no questions or any concerns, none at all.”

Many Dodgers players were highly critical of Houston Astros players after MLB revealed its findings into the team stealing signs using video equipment during the 2017 season. The Astros defeated the Dodgers to win the 2017 World Series.

Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner called on MLB to vacate the Astros' title.

“As all these guys from their club over there are coming back and apologizing and trying to make amends for it, it’s pretty evident to me that it wasn’t earned, and it’s not something that a banner should be hung at their stadium, a trophy should be put up," Turner told reporters last month. 

"I think what should’ve happened is the commissioner vacated their championship and then we move forward. Then we don’t have to worry about guys getting hit, we don’t have to worry about anything. It’s taken care of."

MLB is expected to release the results of its investigation into the Red Sox this month. Alex Cora, who served as Boston's manager in 2018, was the Astros' bench coach in 2017. The Red Sox and Cora parted ways last month as part of the fallout from the scandal.

Sherman's report says it's not believed Boston's sign stealing was "as systemic or widespread" as Houston. 

Betts was the American League MVP in 2018, helping lead the Red Sox on a charge to a World Series win over the Dodgers. Boston traded him and David Price to Los Angeles last month for Alex Verdugo, Connor Wong and Jeter Downs as the Red Sox embark on what's expected to be a down 2020.