Report: Red Sox GM Offers Update On Star's Future

As the Boston Red Sox enter the offseason, many fans are holding their breaths, fearing the front office is going to kick-start a rebuild. After a shocking last-place finish in the AL East in a season in which they were expected to compete, the Sox are facing an uncertain future with young star Rafael Devers entering his final year of arbitration. According to chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom, though, the team has every intention of keeping Devers and remaining competitive. As Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reported, Bloom hopes to sign the third baseman to a long-term contract extension soon.

Bloom on Devers: "We would like to" explore a long-term deal. "He's one of the best players in the game."
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) October 6, 2022

Red Sox fans may be wary of Bloom’s non-committal language, especially after a very similar situation played out with Mookie Betts a few years ago, ending with the former AL MVP being traded to the Dodgers. Unlike that situation though, when Mookie was reportedly uninterested in remaining with his original team on a long-term contract, Devers has expressed a firm desire to remain with the club.

Devers says he is open to start talking contract tomorrow. Tonight, no. Tomorrow, yes.
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) October 6, 2022

Devers, still just 25, cooled off at the end of the year but still put up an excellent 4.4 Wins Above Replacement, earning his second consecutive All-Star Team selection. He formed the offensive core of Boston’s lineup, along with his partner on the left side of the infield, shortstop Xander Bogaerts. Bogaerts was the team’s best player this year, making his fourth All-Star Team, and is going to command a hefty contract in free agency this offseason. Sox fans will also be glad to hear that the front office hasn’t given up on the idea of re-signing both their stars.

Is it realistic for the Sox to sign Bogaerts and Devers to long-term deals and build the necessary team around them? Kennedy: "I hope so."
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) October 6, 2022

It’s been four years since the Sox won the World Series with Devers and Bogaerts, but the memory is clearly fresh in fans’ minds. This offseason will go a long way in deciding the Sox’ future, as well as the fanbase’s faith in the organization.

Sweep to end the season. Now the Red Sox are 0-0. Put that season behind you as fast as possible. Re-sign Bogey. Extend Devers. Get pitching and power. No excuses.
— Steve Perrault (@Steve_Perrault) October 5, 2022