Red Sox Offer First Base Position to Rafael Devers, Who Declines the Proposal
Thursdayafternoon was all set to be a feel-good sorta day for the Boston Red Sox. After a routine shutout win to dodge a sweep and a late homer by Rafael Devers, who's been playing DH full-time this season thanks to their new signing Alex Bregman, third baseman by trade.
The change in position for Devers caused a stir. Bregman, a better defender at third, was brought in on a deal for at least this year. It wasn't about sliding Bregman to second base and keeping Devers at third, the Red Sox wanted him at DH, and even that grated on Devers' nerves. Rumors circulated that he was so annoyed, he contemplated asking for a trade off the Red Sox.
Eventually, Devers caved and accepted the first switch-up—but only to struggle initially, going hitless in his first 19 at-bats over Boston's first five games. However, those numbers have started to correct as Devers gets more comfortable in his new role as a DH and during games, taking swings, watching the game unfold, and analyzing how opposing pitchers pitch[1].
As someone batting .255 with a .379 on-base-percentage, six homers, and 25 RBIs, Devers wasn't pleased. But he voiced his concerns as a man hitting .383 in his past 12 games. Devers, a ballplayer at heart, stresses that he can't be expected to play every single position on the field[1].
"Spring training, they talked to me and basically told me to put that glove away—I'm not going to play any other position but DH," Devers said. "Now it just feels like it's not an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position."
The Red Sox are handling the situation poorly as talks about Devers switching positions seemed to impact his relationship with his teammates and his performance at the plate, which the team can't afford if they want to be vying for a playoff spot in the final month[2].
Meanwhile, the Red Sox are stuck with Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro for first base. Gonzalez has 32 career appearances at first, while Toro has 18. And it seems like Devers hinted at the lack of other options when he refused to move to first base.
It's an iffy situation, but the Red Sox seem to be managing—for now. But the discussions around position changes don't seem to be ending anytime soon. There's chatter about potential trades and the Red Sox are actively exploring options, possibly in the market for a power-hitting bat to fill the void at first base[2].
[1] - Enrichment Data (Discussions on player performance and comfort in new role)[2] - Enrichment Data (Exploration of options for a power-hitting bat as a replacement for Devers)
- The Boston Red Sox's decision to shift Rafael Devers from third base to designated hitter, a move prompted by the acquisition of Alex Bregman, has been a topic of contention in Major League Baseball, causing distress for Devers and stirring rumors of a potential trade.
- As the MLB season progresses, the Red Sox are in a challenging position, grappling with the performance of their current first basemen Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro, while simultaneously exploring options for a power-hitting bat to fill the void if Devers were to be traded or returned to the field in another position.
