Rafael Devers has been causing quite a bit of drama already in Spring Training.
The Boston Red Sox have spent four of the last five seasons in mediocrity, including three last place finishes. But going into the ‘25 season, they made many franchise-altering moves that allow them the argument for the best offseason of any MLB team. With acquisitions of stars like Garrett Crochet from the White Sox and the latest signing of Alex Bregman, plus the smaller pick-ups/rehab projects of Walker Buehler and Patrick Sandoval, plus the “Big Three” of Kristian Campbell, Marcelo Mayer, and Roman Anthony expected to debut in 2025 from their own system, this team is targeting the top of the AL East. But even with massive amounts of “aura” surrounding the Sox, the first few days of Spring camp did not come with a lack of drama. Could this ship sink before it even takes off, even with all the hype?
A Promising Offseason
It started off looking good in Boston. Crochet showed up looking strong, trading out his white sox for a pair of red ones, and you could read the name on the back of his jersey, which is a different Spring storyline. There were also videos emerging of Roman Anthony, the no. 2 prospect in the league according to MiLB.com's pre-season rankings, working out with players like Triston Casas and Trevor Story, even making comments about how he is being treated like one of the guys. Stories swarmed about Kristian Campbell looking to make a run at the Big League roster. Things were looking up for the ‘25 season, and then it got even better when Alex Bregman signed a 3-year, $120-million deal, with opt-outs. Everything was lining up for Boston to make not just a playoff run, but a shot at the American League pennant.
Rafael Devers Speaks...
On Monday, February 17th, Rafael Devers, the Red Sox star third baseman, showed up to Ft. Myers with media availability, and the aforementioned high ended quickly. A reporter asked, “How would you react if they asked you to DH? How would you feel about that?”
Devers's response?
“No.”
Devers would go on to state that he plays third base (which is factual, but doesn't mean things can't change), and that it is, in fact, his decision if he would be playing third base this season. Alex Cora was asked about the situation on the same day. He stated that it was Chaim Bloom who had promised Devers third base for the foreseeable future, but that Chaim is gone and he (Cora) was going to make the decision that is best for the team. Chaim Bloom was the former Red Sox Chief of Baseball Operations (CBO) who was fired in late 2023 after a lackluster trade deadline. He was the active CBO when Devers signed his 11-year, $331-million extension.
About Devers's "Defense"
Apart from a promise by a man no longer employed by the Red Sox, what is Devers's argument? Rafael Devers has been statistically one of the worst defenders in the league since his debut in 2017. This is not just compared to other third baseman, but all positions, with -61 Defensive Runs Saved over his seven years in the majors. This, according to Fielding Bible, makes him the third worst defensive player in the league over that time. In the same span, Alex Bregman has +22 DRS and a Gold Glove in 2024 when he led the league in fielding percentage, assists, and putouts.
So why the debate? A move to DH for Devers makes total sense, as even with his awful defensive stats, he remains 25.5 fWAR player in his career. In fact, I would go as far as to say Devers's refusal to move off third is impacting the team negatively and makes him come off as a selfish teammate.
Triston Casas Speaks...
Well, it could be just an out-of-context sound bite that the media is blowing way out of proportion, right? Sure, but it does not stop there. Later, Triston Casas was asked about the situation and his response ruffled many feathers. Casas stated that he believes Alex Bregman should play second, Devers is his third baseman, and Mayer, Anthony, and Campbell should not make the Opening Day roster.
Now, I do not disagree with a player backing his guy. Triston has seemingly a good relationship with Devers, so this makes sense for him to speak up for him. But why in the world would you drag the young guys into this? I would argue that the best roster on Opening Day includes Kristian Campbell slotted into second base as the starter, which moves Devers to DH. But, really, my beef comes from the fact that a guy who has 222 career games feels like he can make bold statements about roster spots and who deserves what, just expanding the issue that is actively creating tension in the clubhouse, even if the players would never admit it.
An Avoidable Crisis
This should not be some crazy drama. If Rafael Devers had acted like a leader and made the decision to give in, move to DH, and likely increase his already impressive numbers at the plate while removing his abysmal defense from a bad infield to begin with, the drama ends. The “vibes” improve going into a crucial season for developement and investment for yet another championship window. As a prospect junkie myself, not only is Devers hurting his team morale by clinging to his position, but also the development of young guys like Campbell, who is a projected frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. Sometimes, even the best have to put their pride to the side and do what is best for the team. That, at its core, is how championship seasons are made.
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