Red Sox fans shouldn’t fall for the Chaim Bloom redemption arc after Rafael Devers news

Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom may have re-signed Rafael Devers, but should the fanbase forgive him now?

The Boston Red Sox fanbase hasn’t exactly been thrilled with the performance of chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom for his work the past year. This offseason, the Red Sox didn’t exactly do much to improve the roster, although they did bring in Japanese superstar outfielder Masataka Yoshida. Perhaps their biggest move came in the form of the retention of one of their biggest stars.

On Wednesday, former MLB player Carlos Baerga reported that the Red Sox and third baseman Rafael Devers were in agreement on an 11-year, $331 million contract extension. That report was later confirmed by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

While Red Sox fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their face of the franchise is now under contract for the next decade-plus. But as for if the fanbase should be forgiving Bloom it may be too soon.

Why’s that? The botched Xander Bogaerts negotiations.

Red Sox shouldn’t forgive Chaim Bloom just yet

Prior to the start of the season, Bogaerts and Boston had an Opening Day deadline to reach an agreement. Of course, both sides weren’t able to reach that deadline, with one of the reported offers made by the team was a four-year, $90 million contract. Bogaerts played the entirety of the 2022 season, then became an unrestricted free agent.

Bogaerts did speak with the Red Sox regarding a contract during the Winter Meetings. However, they watched as the San Diego Padres made the offer of all offers. The Padres and Bogaerts agreed to terms on an 11-year, $280 million contract, which is one of the richest contracts in MLB currently.

As for what the Red Sox offered, Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reported that it was a six-year contract worth roughly $160 million.

Bogaerts was the second homegrown talent under Bloom to leave the organization. He notably traded outfielder Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who signed a 12-year, $365 million contract. The Dodgers won the trade, as the Red Sox designated Jeter Downs, the top prospect they received in the deal, for assignment.

Boston’s fanbase was adamant on their desire for the team to retain Devers. They even told Red Sox owner John Henry in the parking lot of Fenway Park ahead of the NHL Winter Classic to re-sign the superstar third baseman.

The good thing for Bloom is that he managed to keep Bloom for the long term, one day after the two sides avoided arbitration on a one-year, $17.5 million deal for the 2023 season. Now, Red Sox fans await to see what is the next move for the team. After all, the AL East division has gotten tougher.