The Boston Red Sox were facing a fan revolt. Signing Rafael Devers to a long term extension means that the torches and pitchforks are being put away for now.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Red Sox and Devers finally agreed to a long term extension. According to Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic, Devers has received an 11 year deal worth $331 million which is set to begin in 2024.
Rafael Devers extension calms Boston Red Sox fanbase after several rough years
The Red Sox have had a rough few years with regard to star players. Mookie Betts had been traded away for an exceedingly underwhelming package of players. Xander Bogaerts had been lowballed in extension talks and during his time in free agency before signing in San Diego. There were questions about the way the front office evaluates their own players as opposed to external free agents, especially after their drastic overpayment for Masataka Yoshida.
This left them backed against a wall. The Red Sox are very cognizant of the reactions of their fanbase. They are more than aware of the perception of the front office and ownership, with John Henry getting his propaganda machine to create excuses for the organization. As was the case when the Red Sox extended Chris Sale when Jon Lester’s treatment had left a bad taste in the mouths of the fanbase, such is the case with Devers.
He is certainly worth this type of deal. Despite having just turned 26 years old, Devers has begun to put together a solid resume – two All Star appearances, a World Series title, and a Silver Slugger award. He has posted a .292/.352/.532 batting line with 108 homers and 149 doubles in his 2228 plate appearances since the start of the 2019 season, establishing himself as one of the best third basemen in the league. He may have even received a larger deal in free agency during the 2023-24 offseason.
But now, the Red Sox have one less thing to worry about. They have kept a key part of their roster, a building block for their next core. And in keeping one of their own, they can finally put questions about their internal evaluation methods to rest, at least for the time being.
The Boston Red Sox have extended Rafael Devers. Not only was this the right decision, but it was the only decision they could make.