FORT MYERS, Fla. -- In recent springs, the state of contract extension talks -- or lack thereof -- was a big topic hanging over the head of Rafael Devers.
Arbitration-eligible for both 2021 and 2022, the expectation was that the Sox might take the opportunity to work out a long deal to get him wrapped up. And when they didn't happen either time, it led to speculation that perhaps Devers might be traded, just like Mookie Betts with one final year of control remaining.
Instead, the Red Sox signed Devers to the biggest contract (10 years, $313.5 million) in franchise history last month, keeping him in a Red Sox uniform until next decade. Knowing he's here for the haul and doesn't have to sweat the stress of contract talks any longer has eased Devers' mind.
"I'm very happy,'' said Devers. "This is the organization where I've always been and I'm very happy to be here. I don't have to worry about why they're not signing me (or ask myself) 'Do I have to show more?' That's a really nice feeling. Now, I can focus on playing and to keep developing and growing every day. There's a lot to do for me and a lot of room to grow. That's one of the things I'm focused on.
"To have my mind calm and relaxed (when it comes to contract status) is just great.''
Asked to identify one area of his game that he's seeking to improve, Devers said he couldn't be that specific.
"I don't think there's one particular area where I want to grow,'' he said. "I think in baseball, you grow and you learn something new every day and that's what my mindset is -- you never stop learning in this game. I always want to be better, I always want to reach the next level.''
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Kenley Jansen would love to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic for the Netherlands. But he's prioritizing getting to know his new teammates and adjusting to the new pitch clock.
Team Netherlands will be competing in Taiwan in the first round, so Jansen has informed the team that he'll join them should they qualify for the semi-finals, held in Miami.
"It's a game of adjustments,'' said the reliever, who signed a two-year deal with the Sox over the winter. "I just want to make sure that I learn the personalities around here, a new ballclub to me. As much as I want to pitch for the Netherlands, I also want to be here and learn my crew. Also, I have to adapt to the pitch clock. To me, that's more important. As much as I want to compete in the World Baseball Classic, I want to make sure (I adapt to the new rules).''
After more than a decade with the Dodgers, Jansen joined Atlanta for 2021, and now finds himself with his third team in three seasons. But there's no lack of familiar faces here, including former Dodgers Kiké Hernandez and Justin Turner.
"One thing you learn is to just make sure to always be yourself,'' said Jansen of getting acclimated to new surroundings. "Being in one clubhouse for a long time make it easier. But last year, I learned to be myself and learn the personalities around you. This year, it's going to be the same thing -- learn my new teammates quick, learn their personalities and just get to work.''
It's awesome to have JT here,'' said Jansen. "Me and him played together for a long time. Kiké, same thing. We've been texting back and forth. He's happy we're here and we're happy to be here. We're happy to wear this uniform. We understand what comes with this uniform -- a lot of greatness.''
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Trevor Story was one of the first players to arrive in camp, even though, as he recovers from January elbow surgery, he can't participate much on the field. The sling has come off Story's right arm and he's making strides.
"To me, there's a responsibility to be here and be around the guys and set the tone for the year,'' he said. "I think best-case (scenario) is that I'm back (playing) at some point in the second half. Worst case, I don't play this year. But I feel really good about (the first case).''
It's been a frustrating last 11 months for Story, who played only 94 games and missed most of the second half with a variety of ailments, only to have the elbow require surgery last month.
"Injury-wise, for sure,'' he said when asked about the challenges. "I'm not used to this all. One of my calling cards is posting every day and being reliable and missing a big part of the second half last year, that hurts. And this is obviously not ideal, either. But I feel good coming out of this.''
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Alex Cora said Masataka Yoshida will join Team Japan on March 2 for the World Baseball Classic. He'll make a couple of road trips with the Red Sox in Grapefruit League play, taking part in games in Jupiter (against Miami) on Feb. 28 and West Palm Beach (against Houston) on March 1 before departing camp.
Cora also believes, based on what he's seen, Yoshida profiles as a better defender than some scouting reports have suggested.
"I know a lot of people have their reports,'' said Cora, "but just watching him...he's a good athlete. He can move. He's got good hands. One thing about how they play baseball over (in Japan), they're very fundamentally sound. So all these stories about he's going to be a butcher out there...I don't know. I don't agree with it. Just watching the athlete. Maybe I'm wrong. I do believe he'll be OK.
"He'll make the plays. He has a good arm, too. Somewhere there was a report that he doesn't (throw well). But he has carry. He'll be fine.''
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Cora said Justin Turner will get some playing time at first base "against certain lefties. We'll protect Triston (Casas) from certain lefties and protect him from the workload. Let's be realistic -- he hasn't been able to be on the field that often, especially last year. We'll see where we're at roster-wise March 30.
Cora said for Turner, "playing defense is part of his game, too, just to keep him engaged. There's a transition from being a defender and then a DH. It's not that easy. He's up for the challenge. But we'll play him at first some.''
Cora met with Bobby Dalbec and advised him to not worry about how he might fit on the roster, and instead focus on "playing good baseball.''
"(I told him) 'Don't read into it, don't listen to it...just come here and be prepared to play a lot of third base in camp,' '' said Cora. "He looks great. It's a little different coming into it, but the professional that he is and understanding where we're at, just go out there and play -- that was the message.''