The Boston Red Sox may have a looming infield controversy following the acquisition of Alex Bregman, as Rafael Devers has made it clear he has no plans to give up his spot at third base.
Despite the team’s decision to invest in a $120 million contract for Bregman, Devers remains firm that he is not willing to switch positions or serve as the designated hitter (DH).
Devers Stands Firm on Third Base
Speaking at Red Sox camp in Fort Myers, Florida, Devers, 28, stated his position unequivocally.
“Third base is my position,” Devers said through an interpreter. “That’s what I’ve played. I don’t know what their plans are. I know we had a conversation. I made it clear what my desires were, and yeah, whatever happens from here, I don’t know.”
The conversation took place last Friday between Devers, manager Alex Cora, and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. While Cora emphasized that no final decisions had been made, he acknowledged Devers‘ desire to remain at the position.
“He has a lot of pride,” Cora said. “We know that. He feels like he’s the third baseman. He’s going to work out as the third baseman. And we’re going to make decisions accordingly. Here, it’s not about Bregman or Devers or Cora. It’s for the Boston Red Sox. Whatever decision we make is going to be for the benefit of the team.”
A Defensive Upgrade with Bregman?
Devers has played exclusively at third base throughout his MLB career, whereas Bregman has experience at third, shortstop, and even second base. However, Bregman‘s defensive numbers suggest he is the stronger option at third.
Last season, Devers struggled defensively, finishing with -9 defensive runs saved and a -2.6 WAR on defense, according to Fangraphs. Meanwhile, Bregman posted six defensive runs saved and a defensive WAR of 8.1, making a compelling case for him to take over the hot corner.
Further complicating the Red Sox‘s infield picture are top prospects Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer, both of whom could push for infield spots soon.
Devers Frustrated with the Team’s Decision
Devers, who is in the second year of a 10-year, $313.5 million contract, said that his role at third base was discussed when he signed his extension.
“It was definitely discussed when I signed that I [would] play the position for a long time,” Devers said. “I don’t know what caused the change, but I know I work really hard on defense.”
Even before this offseason, both Cora and Breslow indicated that Devers would remain at third, but that stance shifted after Boston landed Bregman last week.
Devers admitted he was surprised by the conversation regarding a potential position switch.
“I was definitely surprised,” Devers said. “I’m someone who believes in people’s word and take it to heart. It’s very surprising that they would suggest that.”
When asked if he felt disappointed by the suggestion, he responded, “Since the beginning, I’ve known this is a business. I don’t think that was the right way to do business.”
Despite the Red Sox‘s attempts to explore their options, Devers remains adamant.
“It’s my decision,” he said. “My position is third base. Whatever it is they want to do is what they want to do. But my position is third base.”
With spring training underway and tensions rising, the Red Sox must now navigate a difficult situation-finding a way to integrate their new star while managing Devers‘ firm stance.
Whether Boston forces a position change or rethinks its infield strategy, this will be a storyline to watch as the season approaches.
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