Rafael Devers not backing off demands of Boston Red Sox

The optimism surrounding the Boston Red Sox and Rafael Devers is understandable.

The two sides had agreed upon a $17.5 million contract for the 2023 season, something that could be considered a first step toward a long term deal. In reality, that cannot be considered the case.

Boston Red Sox, Rafael Devers still apart on extension

As Jon Heyman from the New York Post noted, discussions on a longer term deal have been “steady.” The issue is that the two sides appear to have very different ideas as to what Devers’ value is as he is reportedly adamant about receiving more than $300 million on his next deal.

It is completely understandable as to why Devers would not be changing his stance. After seeing the contracts that have been handed out this offseason, he has every reason to expect that he would receive a long term deal worth $300 million or more once he enters free agency.

At the same time, this deal for 2023 does not mean anything for Devers’ long term status with the Red Sox. Mookie Betts had agreed to a deal with the Red Sox for what would have been his final season before free agency before being traded away. If anything, this deal could just be providing some cost certainty to an interested team.

Devers is someone that the Red Sox almost need to keep. He is one of the final links to their last championship team, one of the last players that will continue their legacy. Losing Devers would completely remove that culture from the clubhouse, destroying what the Red Sox have been in the past. But none of that has mattered to the current front office.

The Boston Red Sox and Rafael Devers agreed to a deal for 2023. That does not mean anything for his long term status with the organization.