Today, the Boston Red Sox and star third baseman Rafael Devers came to an agreement on a one-year, $17.5 million contract for the 2023 season.
The deal ensures that the Red Sox and their slugger will avoid arbitration this winter.
Last season, Devers and the Red Sox settled on $11.2 million, with this being a significant increase.
Red Sox fans have been hoping for the team to give Devers a long-term extension, with 2023 being the final year of his contract.
On Twitter, Red Sox analyst Pete Abraham discussed the new contract and what it means for the future, suggesting that the fact that they got a deal done to avoid arbitration could mean that the two sides are at least discussing a potential extension.
#RedSox confirm a @JeffPassan report that Rafael Devers avoided arbitration with a one-year deal.
The $17.5M deal is a hike from $11.2 last season and a bit higher than projections.
That they got this done would suggest further talks on a long-term extension are possible.
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) January 3, 2023
This is good news for the Red Sox and their loyal fans.
This offseason, they’ve watched their star shortstop in Xander Bogaerts walk via free agency.
Bogaerts signed an 11-year, $280 million contract with the San Diego Padres.
The Red Sox had also traded away Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi in recent offseasons.
So naturally, fans shuddered at the idea of losing Devers after the 2023 season, and still remain hopeful that the Red Sox will not let that come to pass.
But it is at least a good start for the two sides to come to an agreement for this season and it does suggest that conversations about a potential contract extension are at the very least taking place.
Devers hit for a .295 average and crushed 27 home runs during the 2022 regular season.
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