Red Sox’s latest Rafael Devers move suggests Alex Bregman will play third base after controversy
Devers said at the start of spring training that third base was ‘my position’ following Bregman’s addition
Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers ruffled some feathers when he appeared resistant to giving up third base to Alex Bregman, whose defensive metrics make him the better man for the position, when spring training began.
The initial reaction was immediate debate among fans and experts alike, with the main topic being Devers’ relationship with Bregman, who Boston signed to a three-year, $120 million contract in free agency.
But it’s been clear from the start that manager Alex Cora would be doing what’s best for the Red Sox, and his latest comments about Devers basically confirm how the season will start in terms of who plays where.
Cora told reporters on Wednesday that Devers would “probably not” get a game at third base before spring training comes to a close.
In turn, Devers is likely heading into Opening Day as the full-time designated hitter for Boston.
Devers initially said he had a conversation with team brass, and expressed his wish not to be in that role.
“Third base is my position,’’ Devers said through his interpreter last month. “That’s what I’ve played. 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.”
