**Devers Stands Firm on Third Base Position Amid Bregman Signing**
Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers seems to be at odds with his new teammate, Alex Bregman, particularly regarding their positions. Bregman, who has primarily played third base for the Houston Astros, joined the Red Sox last week, leading many to believe he would continue in that role. Consequently, it was anticipated that Devers, the Red Sox’s established third baseman, would transition to either designated hitter or first base.
During an interview at the team’s spring training facility in Fort Myers, Devers expressed his desire to remain at third base. “Third base is my position. That’s what I’ve played,” he stated through an interpreter. “I don’t know what their plans are. I know we had a conversation. I made it clear what my desires were, and yeah, whatever happens from here, I don’t know.” When asked about a potential move to designated hitter, Devers firmly replied, “I gave them the answer that I just gave, no.”
This situation has introduced immediate drama at spring training, pitting the All-Star Devers against the newly acquired Bregman. Devers mentioned that his discussion regarding the position took place with Red Sox manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, who played a key role in finalizing the Bregman deal. Bregman signed a three-year contract worth $120 million, with opt-outs after each season.
Cora acknowledged Devers’s pride in his position, stating, “He feels like he’s the third baseman. He’s going to work out as the third baseman. And we’re going to make decisions accordingly. Here, it’s not about Bregman or Devers or Cora. It’s for the Boston Red Sox. Whatever decision we make is going to be for the benefit of the team.”
While Devers has exclusively played third base throughout his career, Bregman has also played shortstop and second base. However, Bregman has superior defensive metrics at third base, having recorded six defensive runs saved and a defensive WAR of 8.1 last year, compared to Devers’s -9 defensive runs saved and -2.6 defensive WAR, partly due to shoulder issues.
Despite Bregman being a significant offseason acquisition for the revamped Red Sox, Devers remains the face of the franchise, having signed a 10-year, $313.5 million extension before the 2024 season. “It was definitely discussed when I signed that I [would] play the position for a long time,” Devers noted. “I don’t know what caused the change, but I know I work really hard on defense.”
Devers admitted that the Bregman signing “definitely surprised” him, especially since both Cora and Breslow had previously indicated that he was their third baseman of the future. However, it is evident that Devers is not willing to relinquish his position, regardless of any requests from Cora and Breslow.
