Fansided

David Ortiz uses HOF media availability to send Red Sox a stern message

By Scott Rogust

Mar 3, 2019; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox former player David Ortiz (red hat) walks on the field prior to the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2019; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox former player David Ortiz (red hat) walks on the field prior to the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz says that the team needs to find a way to re-sign both Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers.

The Boston Red Sox are looking to contend for the postseason once again. However, they have some big contracts situations to solve, and they just so happen to involve shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers. One former player is issuing their support for the two stars.

While speaking in a media session regarding his Hall of Fame induction on July 24, David Ortiz implored the Red Sox to keep both Bogaerts and Devers.

“When you have a guy like [Devers] or Bogaerts in your lineup, that means you’re going to take pressure away from everybody else,” said Ortiz, h/t MLB.com. “They know how to handle it. They know how it is to play in Boston. Trust me, playing in Boston is not for every type of player. I played there for so long, it’s a distraction for a lot of players. They don’t know how to handle it.”

David Ortiz wants Red Sox to keep Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers

Bogaerts had contract discussions prior to the start of the 2022 season, as he has the opportunity to opt out of his contract this upcoming winter. Yet, the team and Bogaerts were unable to reach an agreement before the start of the season.

Meanwhile Devers has one more year of arbitration remaining before he hits unrestricted free agency at the end of the 2023 season.

Back in April, Jon Heyman of the New York Post noted that the gap between the Red Sox and Bogaerts and Devers was likely $100 million each.

This season, Devers has proven to be one of the best hitters in the American League, slashing .325/.381/.587 while recording 19 home runs, 51 RBI, and a league-high 108 hits entering July 14. He was named the starting third baseman for the AL team in the 2022 MLB All-Star Game.

Bogaerts is slashing .314/.391/.454 while hitting seven home runs and knocking in 36 runs. He was named a reserve on the AL All-Star team.

This upcoming offseason will be a stressful one for Red Sox fans when it comes to the contract discussions with both Bogaerts and Devers. Those who want them back have Ortiz in their corner.

Related Story. John Henry’s message to Xander Bogaerts is clear, and infuriating. light

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