Red Sox and Rafael Devers avoid arbitration, agree on 1-year, $17.5m deal for 2023

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The Red Sox and Rafael Devers avoided arbitration today by agreeing to a one-year, $17.5 million deal, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

MLB Trade Rumors projected Devers to earn $16.9 million this coming season. Devers new deal eclipses that number by $600K.

Jeff Passan @JeffPassan

Third baseman Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $17.5 million deal to avoid arbitration, sources tell ESPN. This does not stop the sides from reaching a long-term contract extension. The fact that the sides got this deal done shows discussions.

This is not the deal Red Sox fans had hoped for but it could be a step in the right direction towards a long-term extension.

The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his contract with the Red Sox. The two-time All-Star hit .295/.358/.521 with 27 home runs and 88 RBIs last year. Over his first six seasons, Devers has hit .283/.342/.512 with 139 home runs and 455 RBIs.

Reportedly the two sides will continue to work towards an extension for the All-Star third baseman. Devers has been Boston’s top priority following losing Xander Bogaerts in free agency to San Diego. Typically massive contract extensions come around Spring Training.

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