Red Sox, Rafael Devers Agree to 1-Year, $17.5 Million Contract

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Boston Red Sox and star third baseman Rafael Devers have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year, $17.5 million contract.

Third baseman Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $17.5 million deal to avoid arbitration, sources tell ESPN.

This does not stop the sides from reaching a long-term contract extension. The fact that the sides got this deal done shows discussions.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 3, 2023

Passan notes the deal does not prevent the two sides from reaching a long-term extension, with Devers scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

After losing former shortstop Xander Bogaerts to the San Diego Padres (11-year, $280 million), Red Sox brass is under immense pressure to keep Devers in a Boston uniform long-term.

Devers, 26, has blossomed into one of the best young players in the game. Across his six seasons in Beantown, the two-time All-Star has hit .283 with 139 home runs and 455 RBI in 689 games.

Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom has gone on record saying that retaining Devers is the organization’s top priority. 

Boston finished last in the AL East last season with a 78-84 record.

FanDuel Sportsbook currently has the Red Sox at +8000 odds to win the 2023 World Series.