Ronald Acuña Jr. isn’t holding back: with the addition of Jurickson Profar, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/atlanta-braves">Atlanta Braves</a> now boast, without a doubt, the best outfield in Major League Baseball. The excitement in the Braves’ camp is palpable, and the recent signing of Profar to a $42 million deal has sent expectations soaring to new heights.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ronald-acuna-jr">Acuña Jr.</a> has been vocal about his enthusiasm for the team’s new addition, making it clear that he believes Profar will have a significant impact. During a lighthearted meeting with Braves reporters, Acuña Jr. showcased his trademark confidence and humor.



“The mood was lighthearted throughout,” Ken Rosenthal of&nbsp;The Athletic&nbsp;reported. “Asked if he would do his interviews in English this season, Acuña turned to [interpreter Franco García] and said, ‘Franco, he lost his job.’”



But Acuña Jr.’s most emphatic statement came when he was asked about the Braves’ outfield. With a smile, he proclaimed it to be “the best outfield in baseball.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250306_BUS_349835_Jurickson-Profar-1024x576_d5440421.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-349870" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06151046/Jurickson-Profar-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06151046/Jurickson-Profar-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06151046/Jurickson-Profar-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06151046/Jurickson-Profar-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06151046/Jurickson-Profar-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06151046/Jurickson-Profar-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06151046/Jurickson-Profar-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06151046/Jurickson-Profar.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jurickson Profar #7 of the Atlanta Braves poses for a portrait during photo day at CoolToday Park on February 21, 2025 in North Port, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Profar: A key piece in the Braves’ ascent</h2>



Acuña Jr.’s confidence is well-founded. Profar, coming off a stellar season that earned him an All-Star appearance, joins the Braves with a mission to be a game-changer. His ability to deliver clutch hits, power at the plate, and infectious energy make him the perfect complement to Acuña Jr.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/mlb/mlb-news-alex-coras-non-committal-answer-fuels-red-soxs-alex-bregman-rafael-devers-third-base-debate"></div>


The Acuña-Profar duo promises to be a nightmare for opposing pitchers. Add in the return of Spencer Strider, one of the league’s most dominant pitchers, and the Braves are shaping up to be a formidable contender in the NL East.



<h2>What’s next for Profar and the Braves?</h2>



Spring training will serve as a preview of the potential of this revamped lineup. The battle for supremacy in the NL East will be intense, with the New York Mets, led by Juan Soto, posing a significant challenge. However, Acuña Jr. is confident that Profar will be the X-factor that propels the Braves to the top of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/mlb">MLB</a> standings.

Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr. makes bold 5-word declaration on Profar's $42M signing

MLB News: Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki shares his thoughts after stellar Cactus League debut

MLB News: Red Sox legend David Ortiz sends sincere advice to Rafael Devers amid third base dilemma with Bregman

MLB News: Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr. makes bold 5-word declaration on Jurickson Profar's $42M signing - Bolavip US

MLB News: Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. makes bold 5-word declaration on Jurickson Profar’s $42M signing

miniaturas

As the spring season progresses and MLB Opening Day approaches, the question of who will take over third base for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-red-sox">Boston Red Sox</a> remains unanswered. The competition between Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers for the coveted position is heating up, and manager Alex Cora’s ambiguous comments have only added to the uncertainty.



Rafael Devers has been the Red Sox’s cornerstone at third base for years, but the arrival of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alex-bregman">Alex Bregman</a> this season has created a compelling dilemma. Bregman, a seasoned third baseman with an impressive track record, has shown flexibility by expressing a willingness to play second base if needed. However, Devers has made it clear that he sees third base as his position.



In a recent interview with&nbsp;MLB Network, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alex-cora">Cora</a> avoided providing a definitive answer, further fueling speculation. “We’ll do whatever is best for the Red Sox. Let’s see what happens,” Cora said when asked about the third-base situation.



This indecision stems, in part, from Devers’ defensive inconsistencies. Over the past seven years, Devers has led the American League in errors among third basemen. In contrast, Bregman led all AL third basemen last season in fielding percentage, assists, total opportunities, and outs.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250306_BUS_349589_Alex-Bregman-Rafael-Devers-1024x576_1aa70baf.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-349629" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06113311/Alex-Bregman-Rafael-Devers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06113311/Alex-Bregman-Rafael-Devers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06113311/Alex-Bregman-Rafael-Devers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06113311/Alex-Bregman-Rafael-Devers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06113311/Alex-Bregman-Rafael-Devers-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06113311/Alex-Bregman-Rafael-Devers-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06113311/Alex-Bregman-Rafael-Devers-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/06113311/Alex-Bregman-Rafael-Devers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Alex Bregman #2 tags out Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox in the second inning at Minute Maid Park on August 24, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Possible solutions for Cora</h2>



Time is running out for Cora to make a decision. One potential solution is to move <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/rafael-devers">Devers</a> to the designated hitter (DH) role and keep Bregman at third base. However, the return of Masataka Yoshida as the primary DH complicates this option.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/mlb/mlb-news-red-sox-legend-david-ortiz-sends-sincere-advice-to-rafael-devers-amid-third-base-dilemma-with-bregman"></div>


Another alternative is to place Bregman at second base and keep Devers at third. Yet, Devers’ defensive struggles raise questions about the viability of this arrangement.



<h2>The long-term implications</h2>



Cora must also consider Bregman’s contract situation. Bregman has the option to opt out after the 2025 and 2026 World Series, which could influence Cora’s decision-making. The possibility of Bregman leaving might make Cora hesitant to alter Devers’ role, as he could face the same dilemma again in the future.



For now, it appears Devers will remain at third base, with Bregman potentially taking on second base. The question is whether this combination will prove successful for the Red Sox.

Alex Cora's non-committal answer fuels Red Sox's Bregman-Devers third base debate

MLB News: Rafael Devers’ six-word declaration shuts down Red Sox’ Alex Bregman debate

MLB News: Red Sox legend David Ortiz delivers honest 9-word message on Devers-Bregman third base debate

MLB News: Alex Cora's non-committal answer fuels Red Sox's Alex Bregman-Rafael Devers third base debate - Bolavip US

MLB News: Alex Cora’s non-committal answer fuels Red Sox’s Alex Bregman-Rafael Devers third base debate

While success in&nbsp;spring training&nbsp;doesn’t guarantee regular-season success in&nbsp;MLB, it’s certainly a great start. And that’s exactly what&nbsp;Roki Sasaki, the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-dodgers">&nbsp;Los Angeles Dodgers’</a>&nbsp;new starting pitcher, delivered in his highly anticipated&nbsp;Cactus League&nbsp;debut.



Following manager&nbsp;Dave Roberts’&nbsp;plan, the&nbsp;23-year-old right-hander&nbsp;entered the game as a reliever in the fifth inning against the&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cincinnati-reds">Cincinnati Reds</a>. This came after fellow Japanese sensation&nbsp;Yoshinobu Yamamoto&nbsp;pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs.



Sasaki took the mound and immediately made an impact, pitching&nbsp;three scoreless innings&nbsp;while allowing just two hits and striking out&nbsp;five batters. His signature&nbsp;splitter&nbsp;was as lethal as advertised, leaving several Reds batters completely baffled.



While <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/roki-sasaki">Sasaki</a> did show some control issues—hitting&nbsp;Stuart Fairchild&nbsp;with a pitch, walking&nbsp;Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and throwing a wild pitch—the positives far outweighed the negatives in this dazzling first impression.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250305_BUS_349030_Roki-Sasaki-Dodgers-1024x576_6c8471e1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-349041" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05111424/Roki-Sasaki-Dodgers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05111424/Roki-Sasaki-Dodgers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05111424/Roki-Sasaki-Dodgers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05111424/Roki-Sasaki-Dodgers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05111424/Roki-Sasaki-Dodgers-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05111424/Roki-Sasaki-Dodgers-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05111424/Roki-Sasaki-Dodgers-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/05111424/Roki-Sasaki-Dodgers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch in the sixth inning during a spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds at Camelback Ranch on March 4, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Sasaki’s confidence and adaptability</h2>



As one of MLB’s most coveted international signings and a top prospect, Sasaki is adjusting to Major League competition, even if it’s just spring training. He believes he has the tools to make a smooth transition to this level.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/mlb/roki-sasakis-jersey-number-change-causes-tension-miguel-rojas-opens-up-about-the-situation"></div>


“I did feel really good about being able to jam some hitters, and as long as I throw quality pitches, I should be able to get these guys out,”&nbsp;Sasaki said after the Dodgers’ win, per&nbsp;SportsNet LA.



<h2>A key piece in a star-studded rotation</h2>



The Dodgers’ pitching staff is already loaded with talent, but Sasaki’s arrival adds another layer of depth and potential. Despite being surrounded by stars, the&nbsp;two-time Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) All-Star&nbsp;isn’t lowering his expectations for his first <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/mlb">MLB</a> season.



<h2>Sasaki: Aspirations of greatness</h2>



Sasaki’s debut was a reminder of his immense potential and the high expectations surrounding him. If he can maintain this level of performance, he could quickly become a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ pitching staff.

Dodgers' Roki Sasaki shares his thoughts after stellar Cactus League debut

MLB News: Red Sox’s Alex Bregman sends clear message on Rafael Devers’ third base stance

MLB News: Dodgers' Roki Sasaki shares his thoughts after stellar Cactus League debut - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-red-sox">Boston Red Sox</a>&nbsp;legend&nbsp;David Ortiz&nbsp;understands the situation&nbsp;Rafael Devers&nbsp;faces as the team gathers in&nbsp;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&nbsp;Alex Bregman&nbsp;to a three-year,&nbsp;$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, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/david-ortiz">David Ortiz</a>, who has been mentoring Devers, offered some straightforward advice.



“At some point, it’s all about putting the ego aside,”&nbsp;Ortiz told WEEI’s Rob Bradford on Audacy’s&nbsp;“Baseball Isn’t Boring”&nbsp;podcast.&nbsp;“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.&nbsp;“I don’t want (Devers) to feel like he was left alone,”&nbsp;Ortiz added.&nbsp;“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.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="631" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250304_BUS_348151_rafaeldeversjpg_242310155-1024x631_e6f2585a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=631" alt="Rafael Devers gets biggest contract extension in Boston Red Sox history" class="wp-image-210776" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/rafaeldeversjpg_242310155-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/rafaeldeversjpg_242310155-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/rafaeldeversjpg_242310155-768x474.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/rafaeldeversjpg_242310155.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Rafael Devers with the Boston Red Sox. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Red Sox’s Urgency to Improve</h2>



The Red Sox entered the offseason with a sense of urgency after three consecutive playoff absences and three last-place finishes in the&nbsp;American League East&nbsp;over the past five seasons. Chief Baseball Officer&nbsp;Craig Breslow&nbsp;made it clear that improving the roster was a top priority.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/mlb/mlb-news-rafael-devers-six-word-declaration-shuts-down-red-sox-alex-bregman-debate"></div>


Boston bolstered its bullpen, added starting pitchers, and, just before spring training, signed Bregman to energize the clubhouse. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alex-bregman">Bregman</a>, a two-time&nbsp;World Series champion&nbsp;and 2024&nbsp;Gold Glove winner&nbsp;with the&nbsp;Houston Astros, brings playoff experience and defensive prowess to a team that committed&nbsp;115 errors&nbsp;last season, the worst mark in the American League.



<h2>Devers’ adaptation and team dynamics</h2>



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&nbsp;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&nbsp;MLB Playoffs. For <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/rafael-devers">Devers</a>, the challenge will be adapting to the new dynamics while maintaining his role as a cornerstone of the franchise.

Red Sox legend David Ortiz sends sincere advice to Rafael Devers amid third base dilemma with Bregman

MLB News: Red Sox legend David Ortiz sends sincere advice to Rafael Devers amid third base dilemma with Bregman - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/aaron-judge">Aaron Judge</a> is witnessing his New York Yankees teammates suffering injuries before the official start of the 2025 MLB season. One of the affected players is Luis Gil, whose injury severity was recently confirmed by Aaron Boone. Unfortunately, Gil will not be available for Opening Day.



According to information revealed by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/aaron-boone">Aaron Boone</a>, Gil is suffering from a high-grade right lat strain. This injury will not only keep him out of the first game of the year but will also sideline him for at least six long weeks. Another blow to the Yankees’ defense.



Judge has known Luis Gil since 2021 when the pitcher joined the Yankees, his first and only <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/mlb">MLB</a> team. Last season, Gil started 29 games, finishing with a 3.50 ERA and 151.2 innings pitched, recording 15 wins and 7 losses.



Boone knows that not having Gil for several weeks will be a significant issue, especially with other player injuries. However, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-yankees">Yankees</a>‘ rotation still looks solid for the start of the season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250304_BUS_348005_GettyImages-1396955751-1024x682_6f5fd14a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=682" alt="" class="wp-image-348021" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03205539/GettyImages-1396955751-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03205539/GettyImages-1396955751-300x200.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03205539/GettyImages-1396955751-768x512.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03205539/GettyImages-1396955751-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/03205539/GettyImages-1396955751-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 12: Starting pitcher Luis Gil #81 of the New York Yankees delivers the baseball in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 12, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Yankees’ Rotation Without Luis Gil</h2>



The relief for the Yankees and their defense, where Judge will be in the outfield, is that without Luis Gil, the rotation still looks good with Gerrit Cole leading as the ace and Max Fried as another key player. Last season was good for them, especially for Fried, who participated in 29 games after falling short in 2023 with only 14.



<ul><li>Gerrit Cole</li><li>Max Fried</li><li>Carlos Rodón</li><li>Clarke Schmidt</li><li>Marcus Stroman</li><li>Will Warren</li></ul>



Marcus Stroman is the only uncertain starter, but he will have time to prove his readiness during the early days of the 2025 season, something everyone is eager to see.



<h2>Gil projection for the 2025 season</h2>



According to Baseball Reference, Luis Gil is projected to have a strong 2025 season, with an expected record of 11 wins and 7 losses and an ERA of 3.64 over 136 innings pitched. He is anticipated to achieve 146 strikeouts and maintain a WHIP of 1.206, demonstrating his capability to contribute significantly to the Yankees’ rotation.

MLB News: Aaron Judge’s Yankees get tough injury update from Aaron Boone on Luis Gil

MLB News: Aaron Judge’s Yankees get tough injury update from Aaron Boone on Luis Gil - Bolavip US

Judge’s Yankees get tough injury update from Aaron Boone on Luis Gil

Latest news from MLB. Find out about all the news related to MLB on bolavip.com/en

MLB - Page 134

MLB News: Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. makes bold 5-word declaration on Jurickson Profar’s $42M signing

MLB News: Alex Cora’s non-committal answer fuels Red Sox’s Alex Bregman-Rafael Devers third base debate

MLB News: Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki shares his thoughts after stellar Cactus League debut

MLB News: Red Sox legend David Ortiz sends sincere advice to Rafael Devers amid third base dilemma with Bregman

Judge’s Yankees get tough injury update from Aaron Boone on Luis Gil