David Ortiz: Red Sox need to lock up All-Stars Rafael Devers, Xander Bogaerts
Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz will officially be enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 10 days. During his pre-induction media availability session on Thursday, Ortiz took time to discuss the current state of the franchise.
Unsurprisingly, the topics of contract extension negotiations (or lack thereof) between the Red Sox and All-Star infielders Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts came up. Ortiz made it clear that he believes the organization needs to do everything it can to bring back both franchise cornerstones.
It's been a spring and summer full of "no update" updates and lack of traction in the way of potential long-term deals for Devers and Bogaerts.
It was reported in mid-April that Boston offered the third baseman a new deal worth approximately $200 million, but Devers was looking for something over $300 million. Devers currently leads the American League in hits (108) and total bases (195).
Things haven't looked much more promising with the shortstop and Red Sox brass, as chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said in April that extension talks hadn't "aligned" with either of the hitters. In May, when discussing negotiations with Bogaerts, Bloom said "We're hopeful we can find that path."
Devers and Bogaerts (who will turn 26 and 30 in October, respectively), have both spent their entire big league careers with the Red Sox.
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