Update No. 2:
There are now additional reports stating that Devers’ new contract actually begins in 2023, which would increase his payroll number for the current season from $17.5 million to $30.1 million, which puts the Sox’ current luxury tax payroll at roughly $222-$223 million, about $17 million below where they ended last season. The luxury tax payroll for 2023 remains at $233 million.
Update No. 1:
It’s the first rule of working in the media. As soon as you report something, it might change – a least a little.
In case you missed it, Bob Nightengale of USA Today just reported that the Red Sox have agreed with Rafael Devers on an 11-year, $331-million contract, an average of just $30.1 million per season, the largest in club history. In the process, the Sox have clearly answered the question as to whether they still in the market for star players on megadeals – which they clearly are. At least in some respects.
According to Nightengale, the deal begins in 2024, which is a pertinent detail. It means that Devers will stay at $17.5 million for the 2023 season, which means the club payroll is still roughly $30 million less than where it was at the end of the 2022 season. Whether the Red Sox bridge that difference between now and Opening Day remains to be seen, but it could be that the Sox view 2023 as something of a bridge year – and we use that team very loosely – to reset the clock and any potential luxury tax violations so that they can start fresh in 2024.
If Devers’ 2022 salary of $17.5 million is added to this deal, the total value of the package is $348.5 million over 12 seasons, an average of $29.1 million a year.
This morning’s morning’s post, as originally written now follows …
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 3: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox follows through on the go ahead RBI sacrifice fly during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on October 3, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
For those looking to assess whether the Devers agreement makes it more or less likely that he signs to a contract extension in Boston … don’t. The one-year deal doesn’t mean much. If anything – and even this is a stretch – it locks in a precise salary for the player and makes it easier for him to trade. The biggest question about the future of the Sox remains whether they are willing to extend for superstar players on megadeals.
So far, here are the Red Sox’ most notable additions and subtractions from a team that finished last in 2022:
Departures
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 5: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox tips his cap to the crowd after he is removed from the game the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on October 5, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
SS – Xander Bogaerts (to San Diego, shed $20M per year)
RHS – Nathan Eovaldi (to Texas, shed $17M per year)
LHR – Matt Strahm (to Philadelphia, shed $3M)
DH – J.D. Martinez (to LA Dodgers, shed $22M)
LHS – Rich Hill (to Pittsburgh, shed $5 million)Still unsigned or salary reduction
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 27: Starting pitcher Michael Wacha #52 of the Boston Red Sox looks on as he leaves the mound at the top of the fourth inning of the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on September 27, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
RHS – Michael Wacha ($7M)
LHS – James Paxton (reduced from $10 to $4m, savings of $4M)
RHR – Hirokazu Sawamura ($2M)Total payroll savings – $80 million
Arrivals
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 12: Kenley Jansen #74 of the Atlanta Braves reacts during the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game two of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
RHR – Kenley Jansen (added $16M)
3B/DH – Justin Turner (added $10.9M)
RHR – Chris Martin (added $8.8M)
RHS – Corey Kluber (added $10M)
LHR – Joely Rodriguez (added $2M)Total payroll additions – $48 million
