Alex Bregman’s arrival at the Boston Red Sox created a conflict between him and Rafael Devers, due to the controversy over which of the two players should play at third base for the team.
Bregman, who has won some accolades for his work as a third baseman, did not have the best of receptions from Devers, who immediately came out to say that “I play third base”, making it clear that he would not give up his position following the arrival of the former Houston Astros player.
This statement may have created an uncomfortable situation between Devers and the team’s manager, Alex Cora, although the skipper himself has not commented on the matter.
David Ortiz joins the controversy
One of the Red Sox’s greatest legends, Dominican David Ortiz, came out to try to put things in order in the team, explaining that these are things that sometimes happen after the arrival of a new player who comes to add to the team.
“I don’t want him to feel disappointed in the way the organization makes the move. Sometimes there’s a situation that happens and you have to act quickly,” Ortiz said during his podcast with Baseball Isn’t Boring.
Devers has been the team’s third baseman since 2017, and for the seventh consecutive year was the American League leader in errors among third basemen.
In contrast, Bregman was the player in that position with the most assists, total chances and outs in the same circuit with the Astros, so there was talk of the possibility of Devers starting to play as a designated hitter in Boston.
“I have no problem with the team at all for anything,” added Devers, whose offensive numbers have been much more valuable to the franchise.
Devers and Bregman strengthen the attack and infield for Boston
In 2024, Devers hit .272 with 28 home runs, 83 RBIs and 87 runs scored, while Bregman had a .260 average with 26 home runs, 75 RBIs and 79 runs scored in Houston, so both players have very similar numbers.
Even though it is said that Boston does not trust Devers by signing Bregman, David Ortiz thinks otherwise, and believes that the arrival of the veteran player is for the good of Boston, especially in attack.
In addition, with Devers’ refusal to leave the hot corner, Cora plans to keep Triston Casas at first base, move Bregman to second base, Trevor Story would remain at shortstop, as would Devers at third, which would make Boston one of the most solid infields in all of
“I don’t think it’s about Bregman or Devers or Cora. It’s about the Red Sox,” Cora said.
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