Devers Digs In: Red Sox Star Balks at Positional Shuffle
Rafael Devers, the Boston Red Sox cornerstone, is reportedly frustrated with the team’s management, specifically General Manager Craig Breslow, over a perceived lack of respect for his established role and a seemingly impromptu request to switch positions yet again. The situation highlights a potential disconnect between the player and the front office, raising questions about roster construction, communication, and Devers’ long-term commitment to the team.
The current conflict stems from a season-ending injury to first baseman Triston Casas, which has left a gaping hole at the position. Breslow, in an effort to address this sudden deficiency, approached Devers about potentially filling the void at first base. This request, however, landed poorly with Devers, who just months prior had reluctantly agreed to a full-time switch to designated hitter (DH) following the high-profile acquisition of Alex Bregman.
The arrival of Bregman, signed to a lucrative three-year, $120 million contract, was predicated on his defensive prowess at third base, a position Devers had occupied for the majority of his career. The Red Sox brass lauded Bregman’s superior glove work and anticipated his bat would thrive in the hitter-friendly confines of Fenway Park. The plan, on paper, appeared to be a win-win: Bregman would solidify the infield defense, while Devers, relieved of defensive responsibilities, could focus solely on his offensive production.
Indeed, the arrangement had seemingly borne fruit. Bregman has performed at an MVP caliber level, anchoring the Red Sox lineup. Meanwhile, Devers, after enduring a sluggish start to the season, has rebounded dramatically, posting an impressive .933 OPS and driving in 24 runs in his last 34 games. The offensive surge suggested that the DH role, while initially met with resistance, was proving to be beneficial for Devers’ offensive output.
However, the suggestion of another positional change has reignited Devers’ frustration. He reluctantly accepted the move to DH, acknowledging the team’s vision and swallowing his pride at the age of 28. The prospect of now donning a first baseman’s mitt to compensate for the team’s lack of depth at the position was a step too far for the slugger.
"I’m a ballplayer, but at the same time, they can’t expect me to play every single position out there,” Devers reportedly told reporters through a team interpreter. He emphasized the apparent contradiction in the team’s strategy, recalling that during spring training, he was explicitly instructed to "put away" his glove, as he would be exclusively a DH. “So right now, I just feel like it’s not an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position.”
This latest dispute differs somewhat from the earlier friction that arose during spring training. At that time, Breslow and manager Alex Cora presented a unified front in their desire to transition Devers off of third base. This decision, though ultimately executed, drew considerable backlash from Devers, who had long considered himself a third baseman. Cora even alluded to the fact that Devers’ massive $313.5 million contract extension had been negotiated under a previous front office regime, subtly implying that the current management had the right to re-evaluate his role.
This time around, Devers appears to be directing his grievances primarily at Breslow. The General Manager, a former Red Sox relief pitcher who won a World Series title with the team in 2013, is in his second year overseeing baseball operations. Devers questioned Breslow’s understanding of the situation, suggesting a disconnect between the front office’s expectations and the realities of playing the game.
“It was the GM that I spoke with. I’m not sure what he has with me," Devers stated. He alluded to Breslow’s playing experience, hoping it would foster a sense of empathy. "He played ball and I would like to think he knows that changing positions like that isn’t easy. Here in the clubhouse thankfully the relationship that I have with my teammates is great. I don’t understand some of the decisions that the GM makes. Next thing you know someone in the outfield gets hurt and they want me to play in the outfield. I think I know the kind of player I am. And yeah, that’s just where I stand.”
Devers’ reluctance to embrace a positional shuffle, while perhaps appearing somewhat uncooperative, needs to be understood in the context of the Red Sox’s recent pronouncements regarding his long-term future. Just weeks ago, Cora had strongly suggested that the move to DH was a permanent one, drawing comparisons to J.D. Martinez’s successful transition to the role.
“Every DH used to be a position player until they were DHs,” Cora had said in a radio interview. “J.D. (Martinez) went through the same transition in 2018. He was an outfielder, he became a DH and you saw what happened. So we expect the same thing. The kid is ready to go. He’s going to hit second against lefties and righties. And he’s going to DH. I think having Alex behind him (in the lineup) is going to benefit him. Honestly, I expect a great season from Raffy offensively.”
Devers’ perspective can be seen as a natural reaction to feeling undervalued and underappreciated. He is essentially telling the Red Sox management, "This isn’t my problem." His move to first base would conveniently open up the DH spot for the returning Masataka Yoshida, who is currently recovering from an injury.
However, Devers rightly points out that he is not responsible for roster construction. He is a player, not a personnel manager. He emphasizes that the Red Sox had ample opportunity to address their first base depth issues in the offseason. A year ago, the team relied on Dominic Smith to fill the void at first base while Casas was sidelined with a rib injury. Smith is now playing on a minor-league deal with the New York Yankees.
Devers’ solution is straightforward: the Red Sox should actively seek a replacement on the open market. "To which Devers says, scour the waiver wire, fellas. And now, I think they should do their jobs essentially, and hit the market and look for another player," he asserted. “I’m not sure why they want me to be in-between the way they have been.”
The conflict between Devers and the Red Sox front office underscores the importance of clear communication, consistent messaging, and a well-defined roster strategy. Devers’ frustration is understandable, given the team’s previous assurances regarding his role and the seemingly reactive nature of the request to switch positions. The Red Sox need to address this issue promptly and decisively, lest it fester and damage the relationship with one of their most valuable players. The resolution of this dispute will not only impact the team’s immediate performance but could also have long-term implications for Devers’ future with the organization.
