Red Sox propose shifting Devers to first base role, but he declines the offer.
On a seemingly languid Thursday, the Red Sox's mood took a turn for the tumultuous. The team had just clinched a shutout victory, and Rafael Devers added a homer to the tally as a full-time DH. But the celebrations were short-lived, as the Red Sox had other plans - plans that de Vermeer wasn't particularly keen on.
See, Devers' consistent performances got the team thinking. With Triston Casas sidelined due to a kneecap injury, Boston was in search of some power at first base. Enter chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow - the ex-pitcher with an unexpected knack for savvy roster moves. He proposed a switch - Devers, to first base, and the Bostonian wasn't exactly thrilled.
"They wanted a chat," Devers explained to reporters, "But for me? It ain't the smartest move after they shifted me around earlier this year. And suddenly, they're asking me to do another switcheroo. It feels like a lousy idea from where I'm standing."
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This isn't the first time Devers' been faced with an uphill battle - remember, he signed that 10-year, $330 million contract in January 2023 without Xander Bogaerts' resignation. Boston was quiet that offseason, but things got interesting following a lackluster 78-84 finish. Bregman was signed just before spring training, and some whispers circulated about his potential shift to second base. Instead, the Red Sox asked Devers to embrace the DH role, a decision that irked the ballplayer enough to consider a trade out of Boston.
However, after some initial struggle - he went hitless in his first 19 at-bats - Devers' numbers started to recover, and he voiced his unflattering thoughts as someone riding a .383 12-game streak.
The success, it seems, is being fueled by Devers' comfort in the routine of being the DH, taking swings, watching the game unfold, and studying opposing pitchers[1].
"I'm a player, sure, but they can't expect me to juggle every position out there," Devers pointed out. "During spring, they told me to leave my glove at home - I was meant to be a DH. Right now, it just feels like a half-baked decision by them to ask me to play another position."
The Red Sox's predicament stems from the fact Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro are sharing first base from a platoon[1]. And, Devers subtly implied, the lack of acceptable alternatives for the position might have something to do with his resistance.
"They told me they didn't want me playing other positions," Devers stated. "But now I think they should buckle down and find someone new (for first base). I'm not exactly sure why they're keeping me in limbo."
In these whirlwind times, the silver lining lies in the fact the discussion about the position change doesn't appear to strain Devers' relationships with teammates or impact his production at the plate[1] - elements crucial for the Red Sox's playoff ambitions.
- Rafael Devers, currently a DH for the Boston Red Sox, voiced his disapproval of a potential position change to first base, citing his comfort in his current role.
- Craig Breslow, the Red Sox's chief baseball officer, suggested the position change due to a shortage of power at first base, with Triston Casas sidelined with an injury.
- The Red Sox's predicament at first base arises from Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro sharing the position in a platoon.
- Devers implied the team's struggles to find an adequate alternative at first base might be contributing to his resistance to a position change.
