Red Sox used Olson's contract with Braves as comparison in Devers talks

The Boston Red Sox used Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson's eight-year, $168-million contract as a comparable in extension talks with All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers during spring training, according to The Boston Globe's Alex Speier.

The Red Sox cited that Devers might end up spending the majority of the contract at either first base or designated hitter as the reason for using Olson's deal as a baseline, Speier reports.

Devers confirmed to Speier that the club used Olson as a comparable in negotiations, adding that he wants to be recognized for his role and that he knows his value. Devers laughed with teammate Xander Bogaerts when asked what that value is, according to Speier.

Devers is enjoying a terrific season so far in 2022. He owns a .980 OPS with 22 home runs, 62 runs scored, and 55 RBIs in 86 games.

The 25-year-old is earning $11.2 million this season. He's scheduled for one more round of salary arbitration before hitting free agency following the 2023 campaign.