The Boston Red Sox failed to reach contract extensions with Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers before Opening Day, marking an organizational failure.
Bogaerts can opt out of his contract next offseason, and there’s very little reason he wouldn’t, considering the contract he’ll receive either in Boston or elsewhere. The Red Sox star didn’t mince words when asked if he and the Red Sox had any chance at reaching a contract extension before the self-imposed Opening Day deadline.
Xander Bogaerts says that he will not be reaching a contract extension with the #RedSox before opening day. He can opt out of his contract after the season.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 7, 2022
Considering the Sox just signed Trevor Story, another shortstop, and moved him over to second base, perhaps they can afford to lose a player as talented as Bogaerts. But that’s a question for next offseason.
The Rafael Devers talks didn’t go much better. Devers is under contract for two more seasons. Chaim Bloom and Co. made an offer, evidently, but it didn’t have much of an impact.
Rafael Devers and #RedSox are not making progress on a contract extension, source says. It is almost certain that his Opening Day deadline will pass without a new deal. Devers, 25, has two seasons left before free agency. @hgomez27 was first to report. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) April 7, 2022
Red Sox: Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers extensions have to wait
Both players have stated they’d rather not negotiate during the season, as it provides an unnecessary distraction to themselves and the team. Should Bogaerts have another All-Star caliber season, he’ll definitely opt out of the remainder of his deal, which is set to pay him $20 million per season through 2026.
Given the emphasis on the shortstop market this offseason, there’s more money to be made for a player of his caliber.
As for Devers, his price will only increase from here on out. His agent knows this, which is why Devers didn’t settle at a lower price tag.
Negotiations are sure to only get tougher next offseason. Hold your breath, Boston.