The Boston Red Sox continued their spring training on Monday, but the day was not without controversy. Veteran third baseman Rafael Devers addressed the media for the first time since the team signed Alex Bregman, and his comments made it clear that he is not happy about potentially losing his starting role. Devers firmly stated that he wants to remain at third base, creating a challenge for manager Alex Cora, who now has to manage the situation carefully in the coming weeks.
While some Red Sox fans hope Devers will take time to reflect and adjust, there is no guarantee he will accept a position change. In fact, his reaction could push Boston toward trading him before the 2025 season begins.
Rafael Devers Open to Trade Talks
During the interview, Devers was asked if he would consider a trade, a question posed by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. Though he did not explicitly request to be moved, his response suggested he is open to the idea.
“That’s a tough answer to give. I haven’t given it much thought,” Devers said. “I’m open to listening to what (the Red Sox) have to say moving forward.”
Having spent his entire eight-year MLB career with the Red Sox, it is difficult to picture Devers in another uniform. When he signed a 10-year, $331 million extension two years ago, he likely believed he would remain Boston’s starting third baseman for the long haul.
Some may view Bregman’s signing as a breach of that commitment, but manager Alex Cora sees the situation differently.
“There’s a different leader (in Boston),” Cora said, referencing that former Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom, who negotiated Devers’ extension, has since moved on to the St. Louis Cardinals. Bloom, now an advisor in St. Louis, is expected to become the team’s president of baseball operations after the 2025 season.
A Difficult Situation for Boston
Now, current Red Sox CBO Craig Breslow is left to handle the fallout. While Devers’ extension made sense at the time, trading him presents a challenge. His contract runs through 2033, and his reluctance to adapt to a changing team dynamic raises concerns about his willingness to be a team player.
For the Red Sox, the best solution might be transitioning Devers into a designated hitter role. His defensive struggles at third base have been well-documented, and shifting him to DH would allow him to focus on his biggest strength—hitting. Devers posted solid numbers in 2024, recording 28 home runs, 83 RBIs, and a .272/.354/.516 slash line in 138 games, earning his third MLB All-Star selection.
However, if Devers refuses to adjust, the Red Sox may have no choice but to trade him. With Boston missing the playoffs for three straight years, the team cannot afford unnecessary distractions as they strive to return to contention.
