Rafael Devers lands record-setting contract with the Boston Red Sox

One day after star third baseman Rafael Devers avoided arbitration with the Boston Red Sox, he’s now landed the largest contract in franchise history.

Former MLB player Carlos Baerga was the first to report on Wednesday that Devers has signed an 11-year, $332 million contract extension with the Red Sox. Others confirmed the report, including Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

This is an absolutely huge move for a Red Sox organization that has not been painted in the best of lights during the offseason.

Fresh off an ugly 84-loss season, Boston saw star shortstop Xander Bogaerts depart to the San Diego Padres in free agency. It missed out on other top-end options on the open market and was facing the real possibility of having to trade Devers. That’s now not going to be the case.

Rafael Devers stats (2022): .295 average, 27 HR, 88 RBI, .879 OPS

As you can see, the 26-year-old Devers is among the best infielders in all of baseball. He’ll now be paid like it, too. In fact, his $30.18 million annual salary is the richest for a third baseman in MLB history.