Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz let his feelings about Rafael Devers be known to the masses on Thursday.
It didn't take long for the glowing praise from the soon-to-be Hall of Famer to get back to the 25-year-old Devers.
Ortiz believes Devers might just be "one of the top three pure hitters in the game right now," and the current Red Sox third baseman was certainly appreciative of the compliments his fellow Dominican Republic native threw his way.
"It was fascinating to see him talking about me in the way that he did... We know what he means for baseball and for the Dominican Republic," Devers told MassLive's Chris Cotillo through translator Carlos Villoria BenÃtez. "For me, I'm really happy to be in that kind of conversation."
Devers has evolved into one of the best players in baseball this season. Heading into Friday's game against the New York Yankees, the slugging lefty was third in the majors with a .327 batting average to go along with 20 homers and 52 RBIs.
Devers has only one more year after this season on his contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent, while teammate Xander Bogaerts is in the final year of his deal. Ortiz implored the Red Sox to retain both players, and while it was nice to get that support for Ortiz, Devers knows Big Papi isn't making contract decisions for the Red Sox.
"It feels great to hear that but we know he doesn't have the control over that with either Bogey or me," Devers said to Cotillo. "We know the team has the control and we'll see what happens in the future."
Devers, who will make his second straight All-Star appearance is putting himself in line for a massive payday in the future. And for Devers, he hopes that comes from the Red Sox.
"If that can happen, that would be great," Devers said about staying with the Red Sox, per Cotillo. "We know the type of city Boston is. If it were up to me, I'd stay here my whole career. It's a great city to play for, great fans, great ballpark. Everything that involves the organization is great so I hope I can finish my career here because that's what I want."
