Things remain unusually tense in Boston. Much has already been said about Rafael Devers following his shocking and sudden departure from the team, now bound for San Francisco to join the Giants.
Letting go of a franchise star is never simple, which is precisely why this situation continues to raise eyebrows. Now, the story has taken an unexpected and surprising turn, and with it, a rumor has spread like wildfire.
The rumor that blew everything up
A rumor circulating within baseball circles suggests that Devers grew frustrated over Kristian Campbell’s willingness to move to first base – a position Devers reportedly refused to consider.
This, allegedly, created tension in the clubhouse.
It was also being said that Devers’ arrogance and ego had disrupted the team’s harmony, and that his unwillingness to switch positions was the final straw.
But Campbell quickly stepped forward to clarify that the rumor was just that – a rumor – and that there was no truth to the claims. Despite his denial, the speculation didn’t die down. On the contrary, the pressure intensified when David Ortiz added fuel to the fire.
Big Papi didn’t hold back, and just a day or two after the rumor began to spread, he made it clear who he believed should lead the team, stating:
“To have something like this in Boston, you can’t just be a hitter. You have to be the full package… Go Sox.
He then added,
Devers disrespected the Red Sox and his teammates by arriving at spring training out of shape. That’s why no Red Sox player has come out to defend him.
Ortiz even shared a screenshot showing messages he had sent to Devers – messages that, apparently, went unanswered. All signs point to a fractured relationship between the two Dominicans.
Reconciliation or just superficial support?
While the controversy raged on and the possibility of handing the position to Alex Bregman was being discussed, Big Papi came to Devers’ defense. As surprising as that may sound, it happened. During spring training, Ortiz spoke about how exceptional Devers is as a player.
This reversal stunned everyone involved. First he dropped a bombshell, then tried to walk it back and mend the damage.
Devers had been a loyal Red Sox fan since childhood, and now has to watch his former team from afar, wearing a new uniform – perhaps with a tinge of bitterness about how things unfolded before his departure.
Now, he must focus on proving his worth from the other side of the country, under sunnier skies and in front of a fan base quite different from what he was used to. But being the professional he is, adapting to his new club won’t be a problem. That much is certain.
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