Rafael Devers has been the Boston Red Sox’s starting third baseman for eight seasons, and he has no intention of relinquishing that role in 2025, even with the addition of All-Star infielder Alex Bregman. Bregman’s arrival has understandably ignited speculation about the future of third base in Boston, given his status as one of the game’s premier defensive players. However, during a recent conversation at the Red Sox’s Spring Training complex in Lee County, Florida, Devers made it clear that he plans to stay at his position: “Yeah, I mean, third base is my position. It’s what I’ve played,” he stated through an interpreter. “I don’t know what their plans are. Like, I know we had a conversation. I made it clear, kind of what my desires were. Whatever happens from here, I don’t know.”
Lot of people weighing in on where Rafael Devers should play this year. Including Rafael Devers. @NESN
pic.twitter.com/nzdsr4zj5Q— Tom Caron (@TomCaron) February 17, 2025
Later, when a Red Sox reporter asked if he would accept a designated hitter (DH) role, Devers firmly declined. “No, I play third,” he responded. He continued, “Like I said, my position is third base. Whatever it is that they want to do is what they want to do, but I feel like my position is third base.”
Rafael Devers on being asked to DH:
“No. I play 3rd… I gave them the answer that I just gave, no.” #RedSox pic.twitter.com/uEZiCtarhx
— NESN (@NESN) February 17, 2025
In response to Devers’ comments, Red Sox manager Alex Cora emphasized that the roster decisions are not finalized. He remarked, “Like I said a few days ago, decisions are going to be made here about roster construction and what we’re going to do in the future. We’re gonna make sure we have the best team possible out there. He has a lot of pride; we know that. He feels like he’s a third baseman. He’s gonna work out as a third baseman, and then we’re gonna make decisions accordingly. But, I think here, it’s not about Bregman or Devers or Cora, it’s about the Red Sox, right? Whatever decision we make is for the benefit of the team.”
Alex Cora responds:
“He feels like he’s a 3rd baseman, he’s gonna work out as a 3rd baseman, and then we’re gonna make decisions accordingly… I think here, it’s not about Bregman or Devers or Cora, it’s about the Red Sox.” #RedSox https://t.co/kSriIZJdL3 pic.twitter.com/WKpJDjTaJ6
— NESN (@NESN) February 17, 2025
When questioned about whether Devers was assured he’d remain at third base upon signing his extension, Cora highlighted the changes in management, noting, “Different people here, right? There’s a different leader here. You know, Chaim’s in St. Louis right now.”
When asked about Rafael Devers being promised he’d stick at 3B when he signed his extension… Alex Cora made it clear that Chaim Bloom isn’t here anymore. pic.twitter.com/ap9634CFWb
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) February 17, 2025
On paper, the solution might seem straightforward; Bregman was ranked as a top-10 defensive third baseman last season based on defensive runs saved, whereas Devers finished as the second-worst at the position in 2024. However, the reality is that the decision is far more intricate. Devers is not just any player—he is a franchise cornerstone who has nine years remaining on his 10-year, $313 million contract signed in 2023. When a star of his caliber publicly asserts that he will not change positions, it creates a dilemma that transcends mere defensive statistics. Time will reveal how this situation develops during spring training, but it is certain that Bregman’s arrival has complicated matters concerning third base for the Red Sox.
