Rafael Devers, Red Sox finalizing 11-year, $331M extension

The longest and largest guarantee ever given by the franchise, an 11-year, $331 million contract extension for third baseman Rafael Devers, is close to being finalized, according to sources.

The agreement, which is expected to be signed Wednesday night and would be the largest ever for a third baseman, comes in the midst of an difficult winter for the Red Sox, who lost long-time infielder and star right fielder Mookie Betts to a trade to Boston. It was enough for the two-time All-Star to accept shepherding the Red Sox out of last place in the American League East and back to the playoffs because of the long-term contract offered to him.

Sources say the contract will last through the 2033 season. The long-term deal will replace the one-year contract that was signed this week.

Scouts loved his bat when he first came to Boston at the age of 20. With his left-handed swing, he was able to hit doubles and home runs off the Green Monster. His knowledge has grown. He hit.295/.358/.521 with 27 home runs and a career-best OPS+.

He had a similar season in which he hit 38 home runs and led the majors with 358 total bases. He was the perfect candidate to continue with the losses of Betts and Bogaerts because of his consistency. Early negotiations on a deal bore no fruit, with the two sides far apart in their valuations.

The consummation of the deal is not certain because of the backlash from losing the two players. Fans booed the team's owner, John Henry, on Monday when the Winter Classic was held at the park.

The main prospect return in the Betts deal, just days after the Red Sox designating for assignment, was stung by seeing Bogaerts walk with an offer that was short. Five Silver Sluggers, four All-Star appearances, and a pair of World Series rings were just some of the things thataerts had. Two last-place finishes in the last three seasons, sandwiched around an ALCS appearance, made the idea of a long-term left side of the infield with him and Devers natural to the fans.

The focus was on Devers, who benefited from the mega-deals given out this winter. The New York Yankees had a player on the top of the list. They got $300 million from Philadelphia and $280 million from the Padres. Carlos Correa's status is in limbo because of his medical problems.

The World Series hero Nathan Eovaldi left for the Texas Rangers, and the Red Sox fell short of signing other free agents. Relievers Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin, as well as third baseman Justin Turner, were signed to two-year deals.

The face of the franchise for the new era will be Devers. The third baseman has improved defensively over the course of his career and could move to first base or designated hitter down the road. It won't matter what position he's playing if his production and swing are the same as they have been in his young career.

This report was contributed to by the sports network.