Potential shift in Red Sox infield: Alex Cora hints at possibility of Rafael Devers playing first base
Rowdy Red Sox Shake-Up: Devers Dilemma at First Base
Are the Boston Red Sox fixin' to stir things up again in their infield? After jet-setting in a luxurious three-year, $120 million deal with Alex Bregman this offseason, their hot corner got a tad jammed. Cue enter the energetic slugger, Rafael Devers. Seated comfortably as the designated hitter, Devers looked cozy - that is, until Triston Casas went down with a knee injury, leaving a gaping hole at first base.
Y'all reckon the Red Sox might toss ol' Rafa into the fray at first? Ain't exactly an enthusiastic move for manager Alex Cora, who, in an exclusive with WEEI Red Sox writer Rob Bradford, voiced doubts about the idea.
"I ain't sayin' we'll never have that chat, right?" Cora acknowledged about the potential move. But hold up, partner: it ain't his first priority. "To toss something at him would be unfair, I reckon," he added.
Well, Devers' steady sizzling with the bat's got the boys in Boston sitttin' pretty, you ask? Yep, you got that right. Devers, alongside Bregman and Jarren Duran, have fired up the Red Sox offense. The team's keepin' their fingers crossed, waitin' for the return of Casas and Masataka Yoshida from the injured list. Once they're back, Boston's gonna be one helluva talented ensemble in the American League.
Ex-Red Sox slugger Bobby Dalbec opted for the open market after the Chicago White Sox's decision, and the epic showdown between the Rangers and the Red Sox looms large on the horizon. Tootin' their own horn, the Cardinals heat things up with whispers of a potential trade involving Red Sox favorite Nolan Arenado.
The Red Sox had themselves a rough go in 2024, endin' up with a mediocre 81-81 record. But they're snappin' at the heels of the New York Yankees in the AL East standings in the ongoing season, with a long way to go. Their offseason moves had an eye on the postseason.
Cora, a wise ol' hand at the managerial helm, will move whatever pieces he reckons give his ballclub the best chance to win games. Defensively, Devers in the field is questionable at best. Cora's dream scenario, perhaps? Leavin' Devers to own the DH role, where he's threatening long balls left and right.
The outcome? The Boston Red Sox remain a rivetin' team to watch as the season unfolds. Whatever Cora chooses, one thing's for sure: the Red Sox are up to their usual tricks, keepin' their fans on their toes!
- The rumors surrounding a potential move for Rafael Devers from his designated hitter role to first base for the Boston Red Sox continue to swirl, despite manager Alex Cora's reservations.
- The American League is buzzing with the possibility of a trade involving Nolan Arenado, a Red Sox fan favorite, with the Cardinals stepping up as the potential trade partners.
- Despite their rough season in 2024, the Red Sox are currently giving the New York Yankees a run for their money in the AL East standings, with a strong offensive lineup featuring Alex Bregman, Rafael Devers, and Jarren Duran.
- With Triston Casas still recovering from a knee injury, the Red Sox are relying on Devers' offensive prowess to help them compete, despite his questionable defensive abilities.
- Alex Cora's shrewd management skills will be put to the test as he considers whether to move Devers defensively or to let him continue to thrive as a powerful DH, a decision that will have a significant impact on the team's season.
