Rich Hill makes case for keeping Red Sox together
While J.D. Martinez and Christian Vazquez were meeting with the media in the middle of the Red Sox' clubhouse, addressing all the unknowns and discomfort that come with the trade deadline, Rafael Devers sat at his locker focused on one thing - simply packing his bags for Houston.
In among a group of Red Sox players are living the life of uncertainty, a conversation Devers had with Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom four days before has allowed for the third baseman avoid at least some of the chaos.
That was when Devers was told he would not be traded this season.
"Once I heard that it was a relief," Devers told WEEI through translator Bryan Almonte. "I was like, ‘OK, I don’t have to worry about that anymore.’ They came down and spoke to me and said, ‘Whatever you’re hearing outside that’s not true, so we’re not trading you.’
"We understand the business of the game so that was something on my mind. So when they told me I wasn’t going anywhere, that was a relief."
While Devers isn't living the same life as those teammates who are in the final year of their contracts, he would have potentially represented an interesting trade chip. By all accounts, the chasm between the team and the player when it comes to finding an agreement on an extension remains large, with Devers eligible for free agency after the 2023 season.
(In case you were wondering, Devers also confirmed there continues to be no contract talks with the team during the season.)
Another peace of mind for the third baseman came right around the same time he got his good news, with the Red Sox also assuring Xander Bogaerts - who can opt-out of his current deal at season's end - he would not be dealt.
"Of course," said Devers when asked if it was a relief to hear Bogaerts - who also confirmed to WEEI.com there have been no recent contract talks - wasn't going anywhere. "He’s someone I played with from the moment I came up so hearing they’re not going to move him was also great to know."
Now, like everyone else in the Red Sox clubhouse, Devers is left to wait and wonder what this team might look like after Tuesday's deadline.
We know two guys who are staying. After that, it's anyone's guess.
"These are my teammates and I have a lot of love for them. These are the guys I go to battle with," Devers said. "But at the same time it’s a business and I understand that part too."
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