Obviously with Major League Baseball in a lockout right now, no signings can be made. Rafael Devers and the Red Sox are working to agree on an extension. The Red Sox need to make that a priority.
Sign Rafael Devers!
Rafael Devers has been playing in the MLB with the Sox since the 2017 season, his first full season was in 2018. He has been one of the best third basemen in baseball, making his first all star appearance last season. Devers has two top-12 MVP finishes, and he is just 25 years old.
What is Holding the Red Sox Back From Signing Devers?
Following the Red Sox not re-signing Mookie Betts just a few years back, it will be interesting to see if they are willing to spend the money to keep Devers in Boston long term. Since the Red Sox 2021 postseason run ended, the Red Sox and Devers have made no progress on an extension so far.
Devers will be looking for a big, long term contract extension.
Why Should the Red Sox Sign Devers?
Following an all star season, Devers is playing at an extremely high level. Last year he hit .279 with a .352 OBP. He showed a lot of improvement in terms of his plate discipline, drawing a career high 62 walks. He hit a career high 38 home runs in 2021, bringing his career total to 112.
Devers has improved his fielding every season he has been in the MLB. His fielding percentage was up to .950 last season. He has 22 errors last season. That is not great by any means, but it is not terrible. Devers has shown that his glove is great, he makes a ton of great stops at the hot corner. His issues come with his throws.
The Red Sox have a chance to really solidify their infield with Devers. Xander Bogaerts is signed, there’s the shortstop, They have Bobby Dalbec (Or Kyle Schwarber if they re-sign him) to play first.
Should We Expect an Extension at Some Point?
Devers will enter free agency in 2024, and the Red Sox need to be pushing to get their third baseman locked up for the future. If the Red Sox wanted to keep Devers and keep him for the remainder of his prime, they would sign him immediately (once the lockout ends). There is some worry that Chaim Bloom and the Red Sox are unwilling to sign anyone for big money. That should worry Red Sox fans and make them question whether the Red Sox are serious about winning right now.
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