Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz understands the situation Rafael Devers faces as the team gathers in Fort Myers, Florida, for spring training. Devers, the team’s starting third baseman for over seven seasons and a three-time All-Star, now finds himself in an unexpected position after the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract. This move has sparked debate about Devers’ future role on the team.
Initially, Devers was defiant when asked about the possibility of moving from third base. The 28-year-old made it clear he wasn’t open to giving up the hot corner, even before Bregman suited up for a spring training exhibition game. However, David Ortiz, who has been mentoring Devers, offered some straightforward advice.
“At some point, it’s all about putting the ego aside,” Ortiz told WEEI’s Rob Bradford on Audacy’s “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast. “I’m in his corner at all times, but I want him to understand that this organization is trying to build up good players around him, so he doesn’t have to take the pressure all the time.”
Ortiz emphasized that the Red Sox’s decision to sign Bregman wasn’t a slight against Devers but rather a move to strengthen the team. “I don’t want (Devers) to feel like he was left alone,” Ortiz added. “Or I don’t want him to feel disappointed about the way the organization made the move because the organization would never try to hurt — especially a guy like Devers. Sometimes, there’s a situation that happens, and you have to move fast and go in that direction. (Devers) said a year ago, we gotta get good players. I wanna win. And that’s what the organization is trying to do.”
Red Sox’s Urgency to Improve
The Red Sox entered the offseason with a sense of urgency after three consecutive playoff absences and three last-place finishes in the American League East over the past five seasons. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow made it clear that improving the roster was a top priority.
Boston bolstered its bullpen, added starting pitchers, and, just before spring training, signed Bregman to energize the clubhouse. Bregman, a two-time World Series champion and 2024 Gold Glove winner with the Houston Astros, brings playoff experience and defensive prowess to a team that committed 115 errors last season, the worst mark in the American League.
Devers’ adaptation and team dynamics
Ortiz isn’t concerned that the third base situation will cause long-term issues. He believes the matter will resolve itself and that the revamped Red Sox will hit the ground running when the season begins on March 27.
Bregman’s arrival, while initially controversial, represents a significant step toward strengthening the team and positioning the Red Sox as contenders for the MLB Playoffs. For Devers, the challenge will be adapting to the new dynamics while maintaining his role as a cornerstone of the franchise.