Does the Justin Turner signing signal the end of Rafael Devers in Boston?
The Boston Red Sox have reportedly agreed to terms with former Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner, but does the move spell the end for Rafael Devers in Beantown?
According to ESPN's Joon Lee, the answer, for now, is no. Per Lee, the Red Sox plan to use Turner primarily as a designated hitter and first baseman, with Devers still manning third base.
Devers has one year of arbitration eligibility left on his contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2024.
Regarding a contract extension with Devers, Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said last week that the team would pursue "something within reason, or even a little outside of reason," adding, "and we're serious about that."
The Red Sox's CBO made similar statements about locking up shortstop Xander Bogaerts, calling it a "top priority" back in October.
However, Bogaerts inked an 11-year, $280M free-agent deal with the San Diego Padres amid reports that the Red Sox failed to make a competitive offer to retain the All-Star.
After failing to find a lucrative deal with Boston, Bogaerts encouraged the Red Sox to pay Devers, who he called "special," according to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe.
"They have the money to pay the kid. That kid deserves it," Bogaerts said. "Not saying that as a friend of his, but because of the talent he has on the field."
According to MLB insider Hector Gomez, Devers is seeking a deal between nine and 11 years worth $300 to $360M.
It's hard to believe the Red Sox would let Devers walk away for nothing next off-season. So, with every day that passes without an extension, trade whispers surrounding Devers are bound to intensify.
And, with the addition of Turner, the chatter is likely to begin sooner rather than later.
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