Heyman: Red Sox remain far apart on Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts
The Red Sox are actively talking to the camps for both Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
Despite both sides actively engaged in contract talks, both players and the team are far apart.
Devers is reportedly seeking $300 million-plus and is only a year away from free agency. Heyman reported that the Red Sox offered the All-Star third baseman a bit more than the $212 million deal Austin Riley signed with the Braves. The actual number has not yet been reported.
SoxSpects Red Sox Podcast feat. New York Mets reliever Stephen Nogosek | Listen & Subscribe | SoxSpects Content
There is some optimism regarding Devers and the Red Sox getting a deal done. “The feeling is their chances at present are somewhat better to get a Devers deal done, but sources say they remain “oceans apart” in even those talks,” wrote Heyman.
James Paxton exercises his $4 million player option, will remain with the Red Sox
Scott Boras met with the media on Wednesday afternoon and spoke about Bogaerts being a free agent.
“These are special players,” Boras said. “They are people who are Silver Slugger winners, they are MVP-type players, they’re leaders. They are franchise players.... In certain markets, players that can play well there, that has to be understood. It has to be understood that when you bring unknowns to that, they certainly may be capable but you never know what you’re going to get. With Xander, you certainly have a definition of who he is and the quality of who he is. It’s a very risky proposition not to have that player on your team.
“The demand for a double-ring championship player, a leader, a player they know can play in any market is certainly what we thought it would be and more,” he added. “Certainly, the Red Sox have been, at the ownership level, communicative. And Chaim (Bloom) and everybody involved. So we’re going through the process.”
Bogaerts opted out of his deal with Boston on Monday, officially making him a free agent.
Boras did indicate that the Red Sox ownership has been involved with the Bogaerts talks.
“John and Tom have brought forth a level of excellence,” Boras said. “They have won four times in 20 years. As a franchise, you don’t say that. If you look at that and say, ‘Are these men to be questioned? Are they committed in what they do?’ The reality is that, I think, historically, when they’ve been presented with information, they have responded correctly. That’s all I look at.
“Our doors are open,” he said. “You talk with them and understand their histories, their sincerity for winning and the proof of them winning. There’s a lot of people in this game that certainly profess to walk to walk, but they have very strong evidence that they have.”
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
