The Boston Red Sox, which sent shortstop Zander Bogaerts to the San Diego Padres, are preparing to open their wallets. It has been reported that he is seeking contracts with starting third baseman Raphael Devers and free agent shortstop Dansby Swanson.

MLB.com, the official website of the Major League Baseball (MLB), quoted MLB Network John Heyman on the 16th (Korean time) and explained, “After Boston lost Bogarts, Devers and the extension contract are the first priority.”

Devers is a franchise star who debuted in the big leagues in Boston in 2017 and played for only one team all along. He shared the joys and sorrows with Boston over the past six seasons, including being selected as an All-Star twice (2021, 2022), winning the Silver Slugger (2021) once, and lifting the World Series (2018) championship trophy.

He secured Boston’s third base, posting a batting average of 0.283, 139 home runs, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.854 in 689 games.

Devers will be eligible for free agency after the 2023 season. Boston wants to sign a long-term contract with Devers before that, but the key is to bridge the gap in the conditions that each other wants.

Devers holds the key to the extended contract. This is because he will qualify for free agency anyway if he plays for one more year. If he does well without injury, he could win a big enough contract.

That’s why it’s a common view in the industry that Boston will have to spend a lot to capture Devers. The reference point is expected to be the contract of Bogatz. Bogarts won a large contract with San Diego for 11 years and $280 million.

MLB.com predicted, “Considering that Devers is four years younger than Bogarts, Boston may have to spend more than $300 million to catch Devers.” 스포츠토토

It is highly likely that Boston’s move will not stop at the contract with Devers. MLB.com said, “Boston has selected another free agent, Dansby Swanson, as the right person to fill the shortstop position that lost its owner due to the Bogarts transfer.”

Currently, Boston has Trevor Story, who has experience as a shortstop, but Boston plans to fill the vacancy by entrusting Story with second base and recruiting Swanson. In addition to Boston, Swanson is receiving interest from multiple clubs, including the Chicago Cubs, LA Dodgers and Atlanta Braves.

Boston, which finished last in the Eastern Division of the American League this year, is striving to reinforce off-season power to rebound next year. They fired a signal by signing Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida for 5 years and 90 million dollars, and are showing signs of signing Devers and Swanson.

If Boston achieves the desired power reinforcement, the competition for the American League East Division ranking next season is expected to become even hotter.