Xander Bogaerts celebrates former teammate, friend Rafael Devers’ Red Sox deal

Former Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts congratulated former teammate Rafael Devers on his lucrative contract extension.

The Boston Red Sox received some ridicule from their fanbase over what went on in the offseason. Perhaps the most notable move was shortstop Xander Bogaerts leaving for the San Diego Padres after receiving an 11-year, $280 million contract. While they lost Bogaerts to free agency, they made sure that the same would not happen with star third baseman Rafael Devers.

A day after avoiding arbitration with a one-year, $17.5 million contract, the Red Sox and Devers agreed to terms on an 11-year, $331 million extension on Wednesday. Devers was set to hit free agency after the 2023 season.

On Thursday, Bogaerts reacted to the news of Devers’ contract extension, and offered congratulations on his Instagram story. The caption read “earned and deserved, siempre al 100 bro.” The Spanish part translates essentially to “always at 100” in English.

Xander Bogaerts reacts to Rafael Devers’ contract extension

Bogaerts congratulated Devers, his major league teammate of six years. 2023 will be the first season in which the two won’t be on the same team.

Ahead of last season, the Red Sox and Bogaerts were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension. At that time, the team reportedly offered Bogaerts a four-year, $90 million deal, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

This offseason, the Red Sox and Bogaerts were in discussions about a potential deal. But the Padres, who missed out on shortstop Trea Turner and outfielder Aaron Judge despite huge offers made to them in free agency, pivoted to Bogaerts. 11-years, $280 million. Done deal for Bogaerts.

The Red Sox have now ensured Devers won’t be going anywhere for the foreseeable future. Now, fans will wait and see what the team does in regards to replacing Bogaerts at shortstop.