Rafael Devers reportedly wants the bag! MLB insider Jeff Passan recently told a Boston radio station that the Red Sox third baseman is seeking a contract extension valued at around $300 million dollars. Passan also reported that the Red Sox offered him a deal somewhere in the $200 million range. So the two sides are still rather far apart. 

But Jeff Passan did provide some interesting insight into why the Red Sox might end up caving into Devers’ contract demands and why they did not extend Mookie Betts. 

“You have a young star who is excellent. Not just an excellent baseball player but has a carrying skill. With Mookie Betts it was just his all-around game. He doesn’t have the best power, he doesn’t have the best speed, he may have the best outfield glove but he’s not the absolute best at anything, he’s just great at everything and that leads to an MVP caliber ballpayer.” Passan continued, “With Rafael Devers you have a $300 million dollar bat. If we’re just judging him on bat alone, he has a $300 million dollar bat.”

https://twitter.com/TheGregHillShow/status/1514230452311232523

The difference between Betts and Devers is apparent. Devers features elite hitting ability but Betts could do a bit of everything. However, Boston opted not to extend Betts and ultimately dealt him to Los Angeles. But the Red Sox may value the bat of Devers and choose to extend him. His play in 2022 will likely determine if Boston decides to meet his asking price. 

Rafael Devers clubbed 38 home runs last season while slashing .279/.352/.538 with an OPS of .890. He will look to lead the Red Sox to the postseason once again in 2022.