The San Diego Padres’ acquisition of Xander Bogaerts will give the Boston Red Sox a fresh look in 2023. The great third baseman Rafael Devers will assume a leadership position and seek to build on the legacy Bogaerts established during his time in Boston.
The Boston Red Sox’s standout third baseman, Rafael Devers, acknowledged the influence Xander Bogaerts had on him and his teammates and voiced a desire to uphold the culture and legacy that the former shortstop had created over his ten years in Boston, according to Joon Lee of ESPN. In the forthcoming season, Devers is anticipated to have a huge impact on the club.
Devers is driven to uphold the legacy of his former teammate and aid the Red Sox in regaining their winning ways because the team is going through a difficult moment and he is expected to be a leader on the squad. Devers’ leadership qualities and capacity to guide his team to success will be keenly scrutinized as the season draws near.
Rafael Devers looks to build on the influence of his former infield neighbor
Christian Arroyo, a utility infielder, claims that Devers’ teammates were aware of Bogaerts‘ impact on him. According to Arroyo, Devers is always joyful and he learned a lot from Bogaerts. Devers has maintained the same work ethic since Arroyo first met him, according to Arroyo, who attributes this attitude to the teachings Bogaerts taught him. Arroyo also said that Devers does not modify his work ethic despite obtaining a significant contract.
Devers must be a leader on and off the field if the Red Sox are to improve from being last in the AL East and manage their injuries. He doesn’t see himself as a leader, but he is dedicated to carrying on Bogaerts’ legacy.
Devers will also need to continue his stellar at-bat performance. Last year, he set a career high with 38 home runs and 113 RBIs, which helped him place 12th in the AL MVP vote. Devers will need to produce more this year after Bogaerts’ departure if he wants to help the Red Sox reach a potential postseason place.
Devers performs admirably on the field, but he also contributes significantly in the clubhouse. Devers must exert a positive influence as the club struggles with injuries and a tough division. The Red Sox will rely on Devers to encourage and drive his teammates if they are to continue the winning culture that Bogaerts created.
In case you missed it:
MLB introduces Zoom replay center for Umpires
Trevor Bauer signs with Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan’s NPB
