Ortiz: Red Sox need to lock up Devers, Bogaerts

Boston Red Sox president Sam Kennedy and chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom honor former player David Ortiz into the Red Sox Hall of Fame prior to a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

David Ortiz: Red Sox need to lock up All-Stars Rafael Devers, Xander Bogaerts

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 7/14/22

Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz will officially be enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 10 days. During his pre-induction media availability session on Thursday, Ortiz took time to discuss the current state of the franchise.

Unsurprisingly, the topics of contract extension negotiations (or lack thereof) between the Red Sox and All-Star infielders Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts came up. Ortiz made it clear that he believes the organization needs to do everything it can to bring back both franchise cornerstones.

Ortiz just called Devers one of Top 3 pure hitters in the game right now. 'When I watch him I'm expecting something.' Says Red Sox need to find a way to keep Devers and Bogaerts. 'We need to lock them in.'
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) July 14, 2022

Ortiz adds that the value of Devers and Bogaerts is enormous and the team should prioritize retaining them. “I know what I’m going to get from those guys. They are the best players that can represent the Red Sox. We need to lock them in.”
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) July 14, 2022

It's been a spring and summer full of "no update" updates and lack of traction in the way of potential long-term deals for Devers and Bogaerts.

It was reported in mid-April that Boston offered the third baseman a new deal worth approximately $200 million, but Devers was looking for something over $300 million. Devers currently leads the American League in hits (108) and total bases (195).

Things haven't looked much more promising with the shortstop and Red Sox brass, as chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said in April that extension talks hadn't "aligned" with either of the hitters. In May, when discussing negotiations with Bogaerts, Bloom said "We're hopeful we can find that path."

Devers and Bogaerts (who will turn 26 and 30 in October, respectively), have both spent their entire big league careers with the Red Sox.

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