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It may have taken longer than Boston Red Sox fans might have hoped, but All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers has reportedly agreed to terms on a massive 11-year deal to remain in Beantown.
The deal, which was first reported by Carlos Baerga, is worth $331 million over 11 years, though ESPN reported it hasn't been completed. A physical still needs to be done, and Carlos Correa's free agency this offseason showed fans that it can create a hiccup in the process.
This new contract for Devers came after a Tuesday report that stated the Red Sox and the third baseman agreed to terms on a one-year pact worth $17.5 million.
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Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers watches his RBI-single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Boston Red Sox have agreed to a one-year contract with two-time All-Star Rafael Devers that avoided salary arbitration. (AP Photo/Scott Audette, File)
But the deal was to simply avoid arbitration, per ESPN, and discussions would continue in hopes of both sides finding common ground on a long-term deal.
Sox fans can now rejoice knowing their homegrown talent will continue playing a pivotal role in Boston’s success for years to come.
Devers was set to become a free agent at the end of the 2023 season, but with players like Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez finding new homes in MLB, Sox fans were hoping the front office would make Devers priority number one in terms of a new contract.
That appeared to be the case this offseason, though both sides weren’t on common ground initially. As the days and weeks went by without an update on where Boston was at in their negotiations with the Dominican Republic native, speculation and doubt was the natural response from the Red Sox faithful.
Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox bats against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on September 30, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Devers earned his contract after showcasing his tremendous bat and solid glove over six MLB seasons thus far, his last two being All-Star worthy performances.
Devers’ first All-Star season came in 2021 when he belted 38 homers, a career-high, and 113 RBI over 156 games with a .279/.352/.538 slash line with an .890 OPS.
And he followed that up last year with a similar line of .295/.358/.521 with 27 homers, 42 doubles and 88 RBI over 141 games.
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Over the length of his contract, there’s no telling what the Red Sox plan on doing with his position at third base — some believe that Devers could be a solid first baseman, too — but the key to his success is at the plate. Devers has become a feared hitter due to the natural pop that his bat speed and raw power creates as well as a good eye to avoid balls thrown out of the zone.
Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers flips his bat after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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At just 26 years old, the Red Sox clearly believe Devers is their present and future, and his contract, while raising his expectations quite a bit, proves they have faith his talent will translate to consistent production and wins for years to come.
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