it may take longer boston red sox Fans may have hoped, but All-Star third baseman Raphael Devers has reportedly agreed to a massive 11-year deal to stay in Beantown.
The deal, first reported by Carlos Berga, is worth $331 million over 11 years, although ESPN reported it has not been completed. a physical still needs to be done, and Carlos Correa Free agency showed fans this offseason that it could cause a hiccup in the process.
This new contract for Devers comes after a report Tuesday that the Red Sox and the third baseman have agreed to a one-year deal worth $17.5 million.
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Raphael Devers of the Boston Red Sox looks on his RBI-single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning of a baseball game on Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Boston Red Sox has agreed to a one-year contract. With two-time All-Star Rafael Devers who avoided salary arbitration.
(AP Photo/Scott Odette, File)
But the deal was only to avoid arbitration, according to ESPN, and discussions will continue in hopes of the two sides finding common ground on a longer-term deal.
Sox fans can now rejoice in knowing that their homegrown talent will play a key 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 JD Martínez new homes in mlbSox fans were hoping that the front office would prioritize Devers in terms of a new contract.
This appears to have been the case this session, although the two sides were not initially on common ground. As days and weeks passed without an update on where Boston stood in its negotiations with the Dominican Republic native, speculation and doubt was the natural reaction of the Red Sox faithful.
Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox at bat against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Center on September 30, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
(Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images)
Devers earned his contract after showing his tremendous bat and solid glove in six MLB seasons so far, his last two being All-Star eligible performances.
Devers’ first All-Star season came in 2021 when he belted 38 homers, a career-high and 113 RBIs over 156 starts. Games with a .279/.352/.538 slash line with a .890 OPS.
And he had a similar line of .295/.358/.521 last year, with 27 homers, 42 doubles and 88 RBI in 141 games.
During the length of his contract, it is not known what the Red Sox plan to do with his position at third base – some believe Devers could also be a solid first baseman – but The key to his success is at the plate. Devers has become a feared hitter due to the natural pop that he has with his bat speed and raw power, as well as a good eye for avoiding balls thrown out of the zone.
Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox hoists his bat after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning of a baseball game on 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 their expectations a bit, proves they have faith his talent will translate into consistent production and Will win in the years to come.