Boston Red Sox Sign Rafael Devers (Yes, Really)

Perhaps there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the Boston Red Sox and their superstar, Rafael Devers. Although a long-term contract extension has still not been reached, the two sides have agreed on a deal for the 2023 season to avoid arbitration.

Third baseman Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $17.5 million deal to avoid arbitration, sources tell ESPN.

This does not stop the sides from reaching a long-term contract extension. The fact that the sides got this deal done shows discussions.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 3, 2023

Per MLB Insider Jeff Passon, the Red Sox and Devers agreed on a one-year, $17.5M deal for this coming season. As Passan notes, they can still continue on in discussions on a long-term pact. 

Avoiding the potential nastiness of an arbitration hearing for Devers is certainly good news for the team and its fans, who are still reeling from the loss of shortstop Xander Bogaerts to the San Diego Padres this offseason. 

Devers can become a free agent at the end of the 2023 season, and the latest word on negotiations on an extension was that the two sides are "galaxies apart."

Hopefully today's news brings some positivity to the discussions.

Photo: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports