Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers seems to have a problem with his new teammate, Alex Bregman, or rather the position he plays.
Bregman has always played third base primarily for Houston Astros, and when he signed with Red Sox last week, it was expected by many who would remain the case.
In turn, Devers, Red Sox’s man in the hot corner, would move to either full -time -designated hitter or to the first base.
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Alex Bregman #2 from Houston Astros waves to fans before playing the Detroit Tigers in the Game One of Wild Card series in Minute Maid Park on October 1, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
During an interview in Fort Myers on the team’s spring training facility, Dervers made it clear that the third base is still where he wants to be.
“Third base is my position. That’s what I’ve been playing,” Devers said through an interpreter. “I don’t know what their plans are. I know we had a conversation. I made it clear what my wishes were and yes, no matter what happens from here, I don’t know.”
When asked if he would move to the appointed hitter, Devers replied, “I gave them the answer I just gave, no.”
So Red Sox immediately faces drama at spring training with their established All-Star and their new stars’ acquisition.
In massive short -term commitment to Alex Bregman, Red Sox shows that they are serious again
Devers added that the conversation he is talking about took place on Friday with Red Sox manager Alex Cora and chief baseball manager Craig Breslow, who was instrumental in getting the Bregman deal done.
Bregman signed a three -year deal worth $ 120 million with Opt Outs after each season.
Boston Red Sox’s Rafael Devers celebrates in Dugout with teammates after scoring on his two-run home in the first place of a baseball match against Kansas City Royals, Sunday 14 July 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven mustne)
“He is very proud,” Cora said of Dervers, pr. Nesn. “We know that. He feels like he is the third Baseman. He’s going to train as the third Baseman. And we will make decisions accordingly. Here it is not about Bregman or Devers or Cora. It is to Boston Red Sox.
While Devers has played solely a third base in his career, Bregman has spent time on Shortstop (107 games) and two matches on the second base. But when you break down their defensive measurements in the hot corner, Bregman takes the cake.
Just last year alone, Bregman released six defensive races with a defensive war of 8.1, per. Fangraphs. Devers, who treated shoulder problems during the season, had -9 defensive races rescued and a -2.6 defensive war.
Bregman is perhaps one of the big pick-ups this season for a new look Red Sox team, but Devers is still the face of the franchise after signing a 10-year expansion of $ 313.5 million before the start of The 2024 campaign.
“It was definitely discussed when I signed that I [would] Play the position for a long time, “added DEVERS.” I don’t know what caused the change, but I know I work really hard on defense. “
Devers says the Bregman agreement “certainly surprised” him, especially considering both Cora, and Breslow said this season of the past he was their third Baseman in the future.
But it is very clear that Devers will not give up his position, even though Cora and Breslow ask him to do it for Bregman.
Boston Red Sox’s Rafael Devers runs the bases after hitting a two-race home in the first place of a baseball match against Kansas City Royals, Sunday July 14, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven mustne)
“That’s my decision,” Devers said. “My position is the third base. Whatever it is, they are what they want to do. But my position is the third base. “
Where Red Sox goes from here, it will be interesting to see. Bregman could move to Shortstop, but Trevor Story is currently intended to start opening day there. Both Bregman and Story have another basic experience and this position is not etched in stone.
