Red Sox, Rafael Devers, 'Remain Engaged' on Long-Term Extension

John Heyman of The New York Post reports that the Boston Red Sox and third baseman Rafael Devers “remain engaged” on a multi-year extension.

Rafael Devers camp and Red Sox remain engaged in multiyear talks. Sides agreed at $17.5M for 2023, a nice sign. Discussion said to be “steady” on multiyear possibility. Devers has been seeking $300M plus, and recent star deals may only have reinforced that goal.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 4, 2023

The sides avoided arbitration Tuesday, agreeing to a one-year, $17.5 million contract for 2023. However, Devers is scheduled to become a free agent next offseason, with Red Sox brass under immense pressure after failing to re-sign former shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who landed with the San Diego Padres on a massive 11-year, $280 million deal.

Heyman notes that talks have been steady, and Devers, 26, is seeking a contract north of $300 million over several years. 

A two-time All-Star, Devers has spent six seasons in Beantown, hitting .283 with 139 home runs, 455 RBI, and a .854 OPS across 689 career games. 

Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer, Chaim Bloom, has said locking up Devers long-term is the organization’s number one priority. 

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