The Boston Red Sox have succeeded in tying prospective free agent Rafael Devers to a long-term contract.
Foreign media such as ESPN said on the 5th (hereinafter Korean time) that ‘3rd baseman Rafael Devers and the Red Sox have agreed to sign an 11-year, $331 million (approximately 421 billion won) contract extension.’ Devers, who was supposed to, broke the record for the longest contract and highest contract in Red Sox history.”
Boston is in danger of losing shortstop Zander Bogaerts to the San Diego Padres this offseason, significantly weakening its offensive capabilities. Previously, in early 2020, outfielder Mookie Betts was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the power has been unstable for the past four years.
It is evaluated that Boston was desperate for Devers to the extent that it was treated as the largest contract size in the history of the club. Boston’s previous contract length and total records were eight years for outfielder Manny Ramirez ($160 million in 2000) and $217 million for pitcher David Price (seven years in 2015), respectively. It broke two records at once. Devers, a right-handed lefty from the Dominican Republic, established himself as Boston’s starting third baseman upon debuting in the majors in 2017. He marked a career batting average of 0.283 and OPS of 0.854 until last year, and was considered the best player in the free agent market after this season. In his last season, he had a .295 batting average, 27 home runs, 88 runs batted in, 84 runs scored, and an OPS of .879 in 141 games.
Devers previously agreed to a one-year contract with Boston for $17.5 million this season on the 4th. Therefore, this long-term contract covers the period from 2024 to 2034.
According to ESPN, “Debuting at the age of 20 in 2017, Devers immediately showed why scouts praised him so much that his mouth was dry.” His swing is evaluated as suitable for Fenway Park because his double hitting the green monster on the left and the home run over the right fence are impressive.” 스포츠토토
According to ESPN, Boston president Chaim Bloom and agent Nelson Montes entered into negotiations over a long-term contract for Devers this offseason, but it was difficult to find a clue to an agreement due to differences in positions.
Then, at the Winter Classic between the NHL Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins held at Fenway Park on the 3rd, when fans booed Boston owner John Henry, who came to watch it, the club confirmed the ‘public sentiment’ and hurriedly advanced negotiations. comes out