If the Boston Red Sox have any intention of moving Rafael Devers off of third base, they will have to do it over the strong objection of Devers himself.
Devers was adamant Monday that he would remain the third baseman even after the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to a three-year contract. Bregman has played third base for his entire career, but Devers made it clear he has no intention of vacating the position.
“It’s my decision. My position is third base,” Devers told reporters Monday, via Chris Cotillo of MassLive. “Whatever it is they want to do is what they want to do. But my position is third base.”
Devers went even further than that. When asked if he would want to be traded if the Red Sox decided to play Bregman at third, Devers pointedly did not shut the door on the possibility.
“That’s a tough answer to give,” Devers said. “I haven’t given it much thought. I’ve been here my entire career. I haven’t asked myself that question. I’m open to listening. I’m not close to those conversations.”
The Red Sox presumably are aware of Devers’ stance. Initial reports suggested the team plans to use Bregman at second base, though manager Alex Cora has not confirmed that publicly.
Devers appears to have given the situation plenty of thought. Earlier in the offseason, his social media activity suggested he was taking note of the people who criticize his defense at third.
The Red Sox have invested a great deal in Devers, having signed him to a 10-year contract in January 2023. His wishes have to carry some weight. However, he has graded out negatively as a defender for his entire career, and has led all American League third basemen in errors for seven seasons in a row.
By contrast, Bregman is regarded as a solid defender at third, and won a Gold Glove for his work there in 2024.
Boston cannot take Devers off the field. He is their best hitter, and he hit .272 with 28 home runs last year in a typically solid season. They will have to figure out if there is a way to keep him happy while finding a way to manage his defensive deficiencies.
