Red Sox, Rafael Devers reach deal before arbitration deadline
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Less than an hour before Friday’s MLB arbitration deadline, the Red Sox were able to agree to a deal with one of their best young players, avoiding an arbitration hearing next month.
As first reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Red Sox and third baseman Rafael Devers reached an agreement just under the wire. The two sides settled on a one-year, $4.575 million contract.
According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, the sides did not discuss a long-term extension during the negotiations. Such a move would be unusual for a player in their first year of arbitration eligibility. Devers still has two more arbitration years, and is under team control through the 2023 season.
The 24-year-old hit .263 with 11 home runs in 57 games for the Red Sox in 2020. He finished 12th in MVP voting the year before, when he hit .311 with 32 homers.
With Devers’ deal signed, the Red Sox avoid having to deal with any arbitration hearings this offseason. The team agreed to contracts with their other arbitration-eligible players last month.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.
