The Boston Red Sox haven’t had the off-season that they had hoped for. They saw their All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts sign an 11-year, $280 million deal with the San Diego Padres.
He had spent his entire 10-year career with Boston. Bogaerts was a core member of the team when they won the World Series in 2018. He was a fan-favorite in Boston. Fans were devastated when they learned that they’d be without their four-time All-Star.
“Fans rightfully don’t trust the Red Sox to sign Rafael Devers to an extension and every other player, for the most part, is gone. There’s a real chance that Mark Bellhorn leads the team in jersey sales this holiday season.” Said MLB analyst Jared Carrabis
Carrabis states that with how the organization has handled its star players in the past, fans don’t trust the organization to keep Rafael Devers around. Others can’t blame them. They’ve witnessed the team mishandle Mookie Betts and now Xander Bogaerts.
Devers is set to become a free agent following the 2023 season. He’ll make a little over $17 million next season.
The Boston Red Sox can’t turn into the Oakland Athletics
“The coming weeks for Devers are crucial for the Red Sox…” After losing Xander Bogaerts in free agency, the Red Sox could look to extend Rafael Devers.#MLBNHotStove | @jonmorosi https://t.co/2qGlCxDm7D
It will be interesting to see how the team navigates this situation regarding their star third baseman.