If Nick is right, it would seem to be an egregious blunder by the Sox, because Hosmer would represent $5.72 mill AAV against their tax payroll for 2023. That would be crazy.
Yep. Riley's contract bought out his 3 arb years. The offer to Devers was with 2 arb years left - now 1 left.
In theory Riley's deal should be a good comp for Devers.
I don't think San Diego's tax AAV is reduced except by the league minimum amount being paid by Boston.
But the info about this in Cot's and Spotrac is either missing or hopelessly confusing.
With one difference. If they let Bogaerts go, and don't sign Devers to an extension before the season, everyone will KNOW he's gone, so the pretensions would be utterly pointless.
They do have balls raising prices. But as others have said, no one is forced to pay.
Personally I think a little unrest in the fanbase is not such a bad thing...