You're talking about a half billion dollar contract as if it's reasonable.
We probably are headed there, though. What's the limit? Has there ever been a growth industry like pro sports?
Mark my words - Devers's 2023 AAV will be 17.5 million.
(It explains why the announcement of the arbitration settlement and the extension agreement came right on top of each other.)
But signing bonuses are always spread out over the deal for AAV purposes.
I think the real clue is that they announced the arbitration settlement first, then the extension. That seems to indicate they wanted to set his 2023 AAV at the lower amount.
You're right, it's confusing.
I'm betting that the 2023 AAV is 17.5. I think the Sox would have set it up that way to give them more flexibility this year.
You know the drill on this. Some players won't negotiate once the season starts. What if you wait and the guy has a monster season and the price increases by a hefty amount - we've all seen that happen.