Hall of Famer David Ortiz pleads with Red Sox to sign Rafael Devers to long-term deal: 'Let's not be stupid'
Both David Ortiz and Mike Lowell were vital pieces to the Boston Red Sox 2007 World Series championship team. Ortiz of course, helped the Red Sox break the "Curse of the Bambino" with a World Series title in 2004, helped lead the franchise to another championship in 2013 and was recently inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Lowell and Ortiz have also both recently spoken out regarding the team's (failed) attempts to retain All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers on a long-term contract. The former stars haven't been afraid to criticize their former employers and Ortiz was at it again on Wednesday morning.
It was reported in mid-July that Boston had identified Atlanta Braves' first baseman Matt Olson's eight-year, $168 million deal that he agreed to in the offseason as a "basis for discussions" with Devers. However, in April, when the team reportedly offered the 25-year-old a new contract worth approximately $200 million, Devers said he wanted a deal worth over $300 million.
The man at the hot corner seems to have a made a smart "bet on himself" this season thus far, as he is currently slashing .300/.356/.557, with his slugging percentage representing a career-best mark. Devers has hit 25 home runs as well, reaching that plateau for the second straight campaign and third consecutive full MLB season (not including the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign).
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