Rafael Devers Digs In Heels to Claim Third Base as Alex Bregman’s Arrival Sparks Positional Conundrum
The Boston Red Sox are facing a delicate dilemma at spring training, as All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers has made it unequivocally clear that he is not willing to cede his position to recently acquired All-Star Alex Bregman.
Bregman, a former cornerstone of the Houston Astros, signed a three-year, $120 million contract with Boston this offseason, widely expected to take over at the hot corner. However, Devers, who has exclusively played third base throughout his career, has other ideas.
"Third base is my position," Devers asserted through an interpreter during an interview at the team’s spring training facility in Fort Myers. "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."
When asked about the possibility of moving to designated hitter, Devers remained resolute: "I gave them the answer that I just gave, no."
The standoff between Devers and the Red Sox brass throws a wrench into the team’s plans. Manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, who played a key role in acquiring Bregman, have stated that they recognize Devers’ desire to stay at third base.
"He has a lot of pride," Cora said of Devers, according to NESN. "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."
Defensive metrics favor Bregman at third base, with the former Astro posting a defensive WAR of 8.1 last season compared to Devers’ -2.6. While Bregman has experience at shortstop and second base, Devers’ status as the face of the franchise and his recent $313.5 million extension strengthen his case for remaining at his preferred position.
"It was definitely discussed when I signed that I [would] play the position for a long time," Devers added. "I don’t know what caused the change, but I know I work really hard on defense."
Devers’ surprise at Bregman’s acquisition, given earlier assurances from Cora and Breslow that he would remain the team’s third baseman, further complicates the situation.
"It definitely surprised me," Devers admitted. "But it’s very clear Devers won’t be giving up his position, even if Cora and Breslow ask him to do so for Bregman."
"It’s my decision," Devers declared. "My position is third base. Whatever it is they want to do is what they want to do. But my position is third base."
The Red Sox face a precarious balancing act. Bregman’s addition represents a significant investment and his defensive prowess could improve the team’s performance at third base. However, Devers’ status as a cornerstone player and his unwavering desire to remain at his preferred position must be carefully considered.
Where the Red Sox go from here remains to be seen. Bregman could potentially move to shortstop, although Trevor Story is currently slated to start there. Both Bregman and Story have experience at second base, but that position is not set in stone.
The Red Sox may ultimately need Devers to sacrifice and move to a different position, either as a designated hitter or at first base. But for now, the All-Star third baseman is standing his ground, determined to remain the anchor of Boston’s infield for years to come.
