It’s time for the Red Sox to pay Rafael Devers
Alright, Red Sox, you’ve had enough time, pay the man. The man I’m referring to is none other than our beloved Rafael Devers. While nothing could be done during a majority of the offseason thanks to the lockout, there’s been more than enough time to get something figured out. Though I’d also like to see a certain another member of this lineup get a new deal before the end of the season, I don’t think we can waste any more time in regards to the young third baseman.
We know how good Raffy is, the Red Sox know how good Raffy is, and while he still has a few years of control left, if he keeps at this pace they won’t be able to afford him when the bill comes due. Getting a deal done now, while he still wants to be here and has yet to have any feelings of being disrespected or even jaded with the organization is beyond important. Again, this is where a deal for his best friend could also help Boston’s cause.
During the 10-game west coast road trip that the Red Sox finished up last night, Devers was an absolute monster. He finished the nightmare stretch with 10 hits, 2 doubles, 3 homers, 8 runs, and 9 RBI. He posted a ridiculous .294/.385/.618 slash and was a big reason why Boston went 8-2 in that time span. Not only did he hit the game-winning bomb yesterday, but his two-run shot on Saturday night should’ve been enough as well had the bullpen not collapsed.
So, after another solid band of games let’s take a look at where he sits on the season. Devers is now hitting to the tune of .335/.373/.605 with 14 homers and 35 RBI. Those numbers are already ridiculous on their own, but we’ve got some more digging to do here. As it stands, Raffy leads the AL in Games Played (60), At-Bats (248), and Doubles (23). He also leads all of baseball in Hits (83) and that honestly doesn’t come as a surprise as this dude just doesn’t stop hitting.
Not only has he come through time and time again for the Red Sox in 2022, but he has been one of the more reliable players in this lineup on a nightly basis since he arrived on the scene. It’s time to give this man what he’s not only worth but what he’s earned. Barring some sort of unforeseen circumstance, he isn’t going to be slowing down anytime soon and his value is only going to go through the roof.
Raffy is the future of this team, whether it’s at third base or DH, he shouldn’t be going anywhere. Chaim Bloom needs to get pen to paper and figure things out with the big slugger because re-signing him would erase the negative feelings around his tenure. There are too many that feel that Bloom was the big bad in sending Mookie Betts away, but he’s the farthest thing from it.
Unfortunately, his bosses like to lurk in the shadows instead of in the public as he does so he’ll always get the most heat for decisions. However, if he is able to ink Raffy to a long-term deal while also keeping Xander Bogaerts here for the remainder of his career, his time in Boston will be considered a success. Obviously, the team needs to keep winning but the foundation and pieces are there for that to already occur, now he just needs to lock it down.
To summarize everything and put a neat little bow on it, Chaim, John, Tom, fellas, let’s make sure Rafael Devers never wears another uniform again. He is the Red Sox, he’s our current and future and that shouldn’t even come into question. Don’t play games and wait too long to the point that his asking price hits that tier you’re too afraid to go after. Give Raffy his new deal, and while you’re at it, pay Xander too. The budget more than allows for it and it sure would earn ya some good faith.