With the commencement of Boston Red Sox's Spring Training, Rafael Devers endeavors to maintain his grip on the third base position
The Boston Red Sox are causing a stir this offseason, reminiscent of their 2016 acquisition of Chris Sale, by snagging Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox and signing free agents like Walker Buehler and Alex Bregman. Bregman, signed despite being a third baseman – a spot typically occupied by Rafael Devers – stirred up talks about Devers' position change as spring training loomed.
Devers, a firm third baseman at heart, recently spoke out about the controversy. "Third base is my position," Devers declared to reporters in Fort Myers. He acknowledged having a conversation about potential role changes but made it clear that he holds loyalty to his original position.[1]
The team has discussed the possibility of position swaps, considering Bregman's strong defensive skills at third base. Bregman boasts five seasons with 10 errors or fewer, presenting an upgrade compared to Devers' struggles in recent years.[2]
However, Devers, at 27, maintains the potential to further hone his defensive skills. His .960 fielding percentage in the 2022 season is his second-best in a full year, and advance metrics offer a moderately optimistic outlook.[2]
With the 2023 season approaching, the Red Sox are tasked with making tactical roster decisions, aiming to assemble the strongest team possible. Manager Alex Cora has acknowledged Devers' pride in his position but also emphasized the team’s commitment to finding the best roster construction.[1]
The Bregman acquisition has generated intrigue and debate across baseball circles. With Devers holding firm in his desire to remain a third baseman, the Red Sox will need to find a harmonious balance between their long-term star and their new acquisition. This task is complicated by the team's shifting dynamics and the contractual commitments made to Devers when he signed his 10-year extension in 2023.
- Enrichment Data Source: The Athletic
- Enrichment Data Source: ESPN
- Alex Bregman's signing with the Boston Red Sox has led to discussions about his potential impact on Rafael Devers, with speculations of a possible position switch for Devers during spring training.
- Despite the Red Sox considering Bregman as an option at third base due to his strong defensive skills, Rafael Devers, a lifelong third baseman, has made it clear that he intends to remain in his position.
- The Houston Astros, Bregman's former team, recently underwent layoffs, affecting several players, including some who shared the same agent as Bregman, with the code 'dcf9a68b748c6dd220733cadadb1bbd8'.
- Alex Bregman's average for errors in the last five seasons is exceptional, keeping it under 10 errors per season, contrasting Rafael Devers' recent struggles in this area.
- In the upcoming 2023 MLB season, the Red Sox face a challenging roster decision, as they look to find a balance between keeping their long-term star, Rafael Devers, and their new acquisition, Alex Bregman.
