Hey Red Sox, it’s time to make sure Rafael Devers retires in Boston

The Red Sox should offer Rafael Devers an extension this winter

The offseason is already firing on all cylinders with free agents finding new homes in a hurry. With the pending lockout looming large over this winter, players and teams aren’t wasting any time in securing what they want for 2022. In regards to the Red Sox, they’ve been quiet so far but one thing that should get locked up right away is an extension for Rafael Devers.

To some, this may not seem like a dire need as the team has him under control for another few years, but it is something that needs to be addressed. Considering the type of season he just put forth, his arbitration numbers are only going to go through the roof. So out of basic necessity to keep his salary team-friendly, an extension can keep him in Boston for the foreseeable future for a reasonable price.

We don’t need another situation as we had with Mookie Betts, where despite him wanting to test free agency, the Red Sox could’ve definitely gotten him to sign for the right terms. It sure didn’t look hard for the Dodgers, but then again there could’ve been more behind that decision. Back to Raffy, though, as he could potentially be the next case of someone being so good, they get too expensive.

I’ve been back and forth on this during the season as it makes perfect sense to get him signed in order to have him spend his career here, but he may not want to do that. For everything we’ve seen from the young third baseman, he loves everything about the team and city, so I find it hard that he wouldn’t sign if the price was right. But there is always that voice in the back of your head that wants to know if the grass is greener elsewhere.

To me, getting an extension done for Raffy is important because it can set the Red Sox up for success in other areas down the road. J.D. Martinez is entering the final year of his contract and with his age and the potential of a Universal DH on the horizon, his time in Boston is more than likely up.

If he does depart after the 2022 season, Chaim Bloom and Alex Cora can easily slide Devers to the DH, and have one of the best hitters in the game slugging for the next decade. This would eliminate the stress of Raffy’s inconsistent defense at third base while allowing him to mash all night long until he’s got grey in his hair. Seems like a perfect plan to me, but there are other results from this extension as well.

Devers’s teammate and mentor Xander Bogaerts is more than likely going to opt-out after this season to get himself a new deal as well. Early reports are saying he’s going to opt-out in order to get a better deal with the Red Sox so he can finish his career at Fenway Park. A show of good faith that John Henry and the fellas have plans to win going down the road could include a deal for Bogey’s buddy.

Having those two on the books for the next 6-10 years while the rest of the top-prospect infield makes their way to the big leagues is a recipe for success. Boston has some of their best players climbing through the farm system and they all love calling the infield home. Having the foundation of Devers and Bogaerts to anchor them down as they get called up could mean serious business for Chaim and AC.

With Wander Franco getting a massive extension from the Rays, yes you read that correctly, the Rays actually paid someone, it should be a matter of time for Rafael. We’re also hearing whispers that the Nationals are working to sign Juan Soto for the long-term, again, another young star getting paid, it’s Raffy’s time. The Red Sox are more than set financially that they can secure the bag for the dynamic third baseman and not even break a sweat. Hell, FSG is buying the Penguins. Pay the man!

We all know how good Rafael Devers is so I won’t bore you with the stats, and the awards. You simply cannot deny that he not only is one of the better players on this team but with the game on the line, it’s hard to want anyone else in the batter’s box. All the factors are in his favor to get a massive extension and it’s just a matter of time before Bloom opens the checkbook. I’d much it get done sooner rather than later with the CBA set to expire and a lockout on the way. Get it done, Chaim, get it done.