Red Sox manager Alex Cora sends strong message about defensive roles amid Bregman-Devers situation

The Monterrey series between the Boston Red Sox and the Monterrey Sultans has served as a stage for a subtle but significant matchup between two of baseball’s top third basemen in MLB: Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers.

While the Red Sox won Game 1, largely thanks to the outstanding performance of prospect Marcelo Mayer, much of the focus was on the dynamic between Bregman and Devers. Bregman, a newcomer to the Red Sox on a three-year, $120 million contract, has made it clear that defensive efficiency is a priority for the team.

The Red Sox’s decision to sign Bregman, moving Devers off third base, has sparked controversy. Devers, who signed a multimillion-dollar contract with the team, initially expressed displeasure at being promised the starting third baseman role.

However, Red Sox management prioritized defense, recognizing that Bregman is a Gold Glove defender, while Devers, despite his offensive power, is considered an average defender at third base. This situation is further complicated by the fact that the initial promise to Devers came from former president of baseball operations, Chaim Bloom, who is no longer with the team.

The Red Sox and Cora’s clear message to Devers

Before the game, Red Sox manager Alex Cora also made the team’s stance clear. “It was a decision we made as a group, and it was a decision that we decided over the course of a month or the last two months. This is where we’re going. There’s no explanation,” Cora said, as transcribed by MassLive’s Sean McAdam. “I think Alex (Bregman) is a good defender. He can play second and he can play third. He’s going to play third for us.“

For Cora, the decision came down to putting the best defensive product on the field, without sacrificing the quality of the offensive lineup. This is achieved by placing Bregman at third base and Devers as the designated hitter.

Bregman impresses at third base, emphasizes defensive efficiency

During ESPN’s broadcast of the game, Alex Bregman spoke about the importance of defensive efficiency for the Red Sox this season. His comments, though not directly aimed at Devers, underscored the rationale behind the team’s decision to move Devers to the designated hitter role.

The situation raises questions about Devers’ future with the Red Sox and his willingness to accept his new role. The Monterrey series has become an interesting chapter in this saga, and it will be intriguing to see how the situation unfolds as the MLB season progresses.