David Ortiz is publicly advocating for the Red Sox to re-sign Xander Bogaerts in multiple ways. His latest campaign took place Monday on FOX Sports’ Home Run Derby pre-game show.
During the middle of an interview with the Red Sox’ shortstop, Ortiz brought out a wad cash, and started throwing dollar bills at Bogaerts.
“PAY THE MAN!,” Ortiz shouted. “PAY THE MAN! PAY THE MAN!”
That is a big plea from Big Papi.
Last week, Ortiz told WEEI’s Rob Bradford he thinks the Red Sox would be crazy to let Bogaerts and Rafael Devers walk. Bogaerts can opt out of his contract this offseason, while Devers’ deal expires in 2023.
“When you have a guy like (Devers) or like Bogaerts in your lineup that means you’re going to take pressure away from everybody else," Ortiz said on “The Bradfo Sho” podcast. “They know how to handle it. They know how it is to play in Boston. Trust me, playing in Boston is not for every type of player. I played there for so long and it’s a distraction for a lot of players. They don’t know how to handle it. I played with a lot of superstars who were great somewhere else, but when they go to Boston they struggled because they couldn’t pull it off with what was going on there. Those two guys, they grew up there. You know what to expect from them. You know what they’re going to give here. That’s why sometimes I don’t understand organizations sometimes walking away from that and they prefer to explore some other options. I would go with what I know. Keep it simple.”
So far, it doesn’t seem like the Red Sox are heeding Ortiz’s advice. ESPN’s Buster Olney said Friday on WEEI’s Red Sox pregame show he doesn’t think the organization is prepared to “step out” for Devers or Bogaerts.
They reportedly offered Bogaerts a one-year extension in Spring Training that would’ve extended his deal to $90 million over four years. That is well below market value.
On Tuesday, the Globe’s Alex Speier reported the Red Sox view Braves first baseman Matt Olson as a comp for Devers. Olson signed an eight-year, $168 million contract with Atlanta.
Devers is probably seeking at least $100 million more. Nationals slugger Juan Soto, a true comp for Devers, reportedly turned down a 15-year, $440 million contract.
The Red Sox don’t appear willing to pay Bogaerts or Devers what they’re worth, much to Ortiz’s chagrin.
