• Loading stock data...
Thursday, December 12, 2024

Red Sox Risk Infield Exodus Without New Bogaerts, Devers Deals

  • The team could not come to agreements with Xander Bogaerts or Rafael Devers before Opening Day.
  • Both were part of Boston’s World Series win in 2018 and have four All-Star appearances between them.
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers have been in a holding pattern waiting for new contracts — despite their overwhelming importance to the Boston Red Sox.

One day after Devers turned down an offer for being too low, Boston and Bogaerts reportedly couldn’t agree on a deal before Friday’s season opener in New York.

Bogaerts wanted compensation similar to several of the league’s top shortstops (Carlos Correa, $35.1M/YR; Corey Seager, $32.5M) and rejected an even lower extension this offseason.

  • Bogaerts’ five-year, $132M deal from 2019 ranks 48th in MLB by AAV ($20M) — but includes a player opt-out after this season.
  • The 25-year-old Devers is playing on an $11.2M salary in his second of three arbitration years.
  • Both were crucial to Boston’s World Series win in 2018 and have four All-Star appearances between them.

The offseason acquisition of SS Trevor Story further complicates things: He’s a better fielder than Bogaerts, and his six-year, $140 million contract pushed the Sox over the luxury tax threshold for 2022.

As such, Boston could be looking at a similar situation to that of Mookie Betts, whom the Red Sox notoriously traded to the Dodgers — and who then signed a record $365 million deal.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mets: Not Concerned About Lower-Revenue Clubs After Soto Signing

The club dismisses concerns about fundamentally resetting the sport’s salary scale.

More to A’s Offseason Spending Plans Than Meets the Eye

Revenue-sharing guidelines are helping fuel the increased spending.

Manfred Reinforces MLB Interest in Tampa Remaining Rays Home

The commissioner meets with state and county officials to support the Rays.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Former quarterback and current NFL announcer Tom Brady looks on before the game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.

Tom Brady to Have ‘Huge’ Impact on Raiders, Says Mark Davis

“His role is undefined right now,” Davis said of Brady.
Joe Tsai
December 10, 2024

NFL Owners Set to Vote on Dolphins, Bills Stakes for Tsai, Carter,..

The deals are likely to be approved at the owners meetings in Dallas.
Tilman Fertitta
December 11, 2024

Rockets Owner Tilman Fertitta in Line for Trump Appointment, Wants to Buy..

Fertitta had given hundreds of thousands of dollars to Trump.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
December 9, 2024

As Wizards Hit Historic Low, Leonsis Calls Season ‘Very Productive’

They’re on pace for one of the worst records in NBA history.
December 9, 2024

Have Mets Upended New York’s Baseball Hierarchy With Soto Deal?

The National League team sheds its image as an often-lovable underdog.
December 9, 2024

McLaren F1 Team Nearly Folded in 2020. An American Exec Just Led..

An investment from MSP Sports Capital in 2020 saved McLaren.
Old Commanders logo
December 6, 2024

Commanders Plan to Bring Back Old Logo on Special Alumni Merchandise

The Commanders are bringing back their old logo in limited fashion.