Rafael Devers crushes a Gerrit Cole fastball for his first homer of 2022
Devers first swing of the new season ends up in the right field seats
Rafael Devers first swing of the 2022 season was a home run blast deep to right field off Yankees ace Gerrit Cole. Devers wasted no time crushing Cole’s elevated fastball into the upper deck.
Cole struggled in the first inning against the Sox lineup. The power right-hander walked Enrique Hernandez on a four-pitches to start the game.
Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez would also drive in his first RBI of the new season with a double in the first inning. Martinez’ first double went to right field that scored shortstop Xander Bogaerts.
Devers huge first inning home run comes on the heels of not agreeing to a contract extension with the Red Sox before his Opening Day deadline.
The Red Sox made an attempt to sign Devers to an extension during Spring Training. Devers rejected the Sox offer and it was reported both sides were “very far off” from his asking price.
According to multiple reports, Devers wants to table contract extension talks for the remainder of the season. Devers will play out the 2022 season on a one-year, $11.2 million deal that he agreed to in March. The left-handed slugger has one year of arbitration remaining before he can become an unrestricted free agent.
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
For additional Red Sox and Major League Baseball content, follow Beyond the Monster: Boston Red Sox on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
Follow our newest Twitter handle, @SoxDingrs for Red Sox and Major League Baseball home runs. Check out our @SoxSpects for coverage and content on Red Sox and MLB prospects.
