The Boston Red Sox shook up their roster this offseason by signing Alex Bregman, the former Houston Astros star, to a three-year, $120 million deal. While the move bolstered their infield, it also created a dilemma: Rafael Devers, the team’s longtime third baseman, now faces competition at his position.
Devers, a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger, has been a cornerstone of the Red Sox since 2017, playing a pivotal role in their 2018 World Series victory. However, his defensive struggles at third base (-3.6 career dWAR) stand in stark contrast to Bregman’s elite defense (6.5 dWAR) and recent Gold Glove win.
Initially, Rafael Devers was reluctant to entertain the idea of changing positions. “Third base is my position. That’s what I’ve played,” he stated firmly after the Bregman signing, adding that he was not open to becoming the team’s designated hitter. His stance reflected his attachment to the position he’s called home for years, but it also raised questions about how the Red Sox would manage their infield logjam.
Devers: A change of heart
Less than a month later, Devers has shifted his perspective. “We spoke already, and I’m good to do whatever they want me to do,” Devers told MLB.com’s Ian Browne. “I’m here to help. I’ve already spoken with them about that, and they know where I stand, but I’m just ready to play.” This newfound flexibility is a welcome development for the Red Sox, who are looking to maximize their roster’s potential as they gear up for a competitive season in the AL East.
Devers’ confidence in the team’s future
Devers didn’t stop at addressing his position change. He also expressed optimism about the team’s chances this season. “They can expect a better year than last year from me,” he said. “They can expect a lot from this team overall. I think the fans can expect us to compete for a World Series this year.” With Bregman’s addition and Devers’ willingness to adapt, the Red Sox are positioning themselves as serious contenders.
A new chapter for the Red Sox
The Red Sox’s decision to sign Alex Bregman and Devers’ willingness to embrace change mark a new chapter for the team. Whether this dynamic will lead to a deep postseason run remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Devers’ team-first mentality could be the key to unlocking the Red Sox’s full potential in 2025.