“It’s my position,” Rafael Devers REFUSES to yield 3B position to Alex Bregman; BLASTS Red Sox’s front office

Alex Cora expresses that he knew things would turn out this way between Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman in the 3B position.

“It’s my position,” Rafael Devers REFUSES to yield 3B position to Alex Bregman; BLASTS Red Sox’s front office

Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers [Image Credit: Newsweek/Athlon Sports]

Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers strongly expressed during Monday’s press conference that he does not want to change his position to DH due to Alex Bregman’s signing. This has created controversy as Bregman has played at the hot corner his entire career.

While Bregman was open about a position change with the Red Sox, Devers on the other hand was quite upset to know about the possible change. Devers’ move to DH could be a win-win for both parties as he recorded a negative 6 outs above average last season.

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Alex Bregman on the other hand won the AL MVP Gold Glove Award for his monster performance at 3B in 2024. Devers admitted that manager Alex Cora and the Red Sox front office hinted to him on a possible change but he was surprised they’ll remain adamant even after he voiced his opinion.

Third base is my position. It’s what I’ve played. I don’t know what their plans are. I know we had a conversation. I made it clear, kind of what my desires were and whatever happens from here, I don’t know.

Rafael Devers as per Ian Browne of MLB.com.

Rafael Devers signed a 10-year $313.5 million deal with the Red Sox in 2023 with his position at third base fixed. Now that changes have come only years since his signing, the 28-year-old commented, “I believed in their word but apparently they don’t have one.”

When Devers was promised his position, Chaim Bloom was in the front office. But staff changes have been made with Craig Breslow being the Chief Baseball Officer of the Boston Red Sox currently. Cora noted that no matter what controversies go on, ultimately the team will decide what’s best for everyone from a competitive and business angle.

Alex Cora knew there’d be drama with Rafael Devers in 3B position

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he was not surprised to hear the outburst from Rafael Devers during the press conference on Monday. In fact, it was something he predicted since Devers is quite prideful about his position in the roster. 

Alex Cora and Rafael Devers
Alex Cora and Rafael Devers [Image Credit: Bleacher Report/Boston Globe]

However, at the end of the day, the team will decide what is better for a championship-caliber roster with no personal feelings attached to it. Cora said they’ll have further discussion about this matter and see what they can do to satisfy both parties.

He’s got a lot of pride, we know that. He feels like he’s the third baseman and he’s going to work out as a third baseman, and we’re going to make decisions accordingly. I think it’s not about Bregman or Devers or Cora. It’s about the Red Sox. Whatever decision we’d make is for the benefit of the team.

Alex Cora as per Ian Browne of MLB.com.

Another matter complicating the situation is Red Sox prospect Kristian Campbell. He is someone who plays in the second base so Bregman’s transition to 2B seems challenging. 

Flexibility is something the team is in need of right now with Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman competing for the same position. When asked if Devers was disappointed in the front office for a change of words, he said he understands the business part of it, so no.

While Devers is excited and grateful to the team for the addition of Bregman, tensions are boiling in the clubhouse. What solution the team will ultimately come to is yet to be seen, but it’ll be before they head for Opening Day games.