It is not a secret that the Boston Red Sox are attempting to lock Rafael Devers up for the long term. That extension might be getting closer.
According to Marino Pepén from WJDA in Quincy, the Red Sox and Devers are making progress towards a deal. They are reportedly $50 million apart, with Devers eyeing a contract of at least $300 million if he is going to sign a long term deal.
Boston Red Sox, Rafael Devers making progress on extension
This proposal would be a significant increase from previous offers. The Red Sox had used Matt Olson as a comparison to their earlier attempts at an extension, something that Devers quickly rejected as he said he “knows worth.” That contract would need to drastically increase if the Red Sox were going to lock up their third baseman.
It is also something that has been in the works for some time now. Members of the front office had gone to the Dominican Republic last month. While that visit could be construed as Red Sox executives taking a trek down to say Happy Birthday, it could also have been used to lay the groundwork for these reported talks.
Devers could be the entire key to the Red Sox offseason and future. There is some speculation that locking up Devers could make it easier for the Red Sox to keep Xander Bogaerts and vice versa. But it is ultimately a matter of getting a deal done with either player first.
The Red Sox best chance could come with their third baseman. If they are within $50 million, it is possible that a deal could happen as both sides move to the middle. There is still a significant gap between the two sides, but it is a lot closer than a deal similar to Olson’s contract and Devers wanting $300 million.
The Boston Red Sox and Rafael Devers are reportedly getting closer to a long term extension. The financial gap is closing bit by bit.