Rafael Devers doesn’t seem too keen on giving up third base in favor of Alex Bregman. Despite the Red Sox signing Bregman to a 3-year, $120 million deal, Devers once again claimed he’s the starting third baseman on Monday. Speaking through a translator, Devers flat-out said he’s the third baseman and didn’t want to DH. Hear his comments during the press conference below.
Ideally, you’d love to hear Devers say something like “I’ll play whatever position is best for the team.” Yet, we heard the complete opposite today.
“Third base is my position,” said Devers. “It’s what I’ve played. I don’t know what their plans are. I know we had a conversation. I made it clear, kind of what my desires were and whatever happens from here, I don’t know.”
Devers has not been a good defensive third baseman. According to the “Defensive Runs Saved” stat, Devers has cost the Red Sox 62 runs since his debut in 2017. Devers also has 141 errors at third base, which is almost DOUBLE anyone else over that same time frame. Eugenio Suarez, who has logged 1059 games compared to Devers 951 games since 2017 is next in line with 87. While Devers was signed to the Red Sox to play third base, his strong stance on remaining at third base is insane.
Manager Alex Cora will have the final say about aligning the infield when Opening Day rolls around. Cora was quoted as saying “As I said a few days ago, decisions are going to be made here about roster construction and what we’re going to do in the future, and we’ve got to make the best decision possible out there,” Cora said. “He’s got a lot of pride, we know that. He feels like he’s the third baseman and he’s going to work out as a third baseman, and we’re going to make decisions accordingly. I think it’s not about Bregman or Devers or Cora. It’s about the Red Sox. Whatever decision we make is for the benefit of the team.”
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Should Rafael Devers remain at third, Bregman would be the starting at second. Throughout his career dating back to 2016, Bregman has made nine appearances at second and hasn’t done so since 2018. Red Sox vibes are high, but this is the first damper on what looks to be a promising season. On DraftKings Sportsbook, the Red Sox have a projected win total of 86.5.
