Rafael Devers started this season surrounded by controversy when he refused to move from third base to designated hitter. Now, he’s refusing to make another position change.
After the Boston Red Sox signed Alex Bregman as their new All-Star third baseman, Devers was left as the full-time designated hitter. However, with Triston Casas out for the season due to a ruptured patellar tendon, the first base position is now vacant.
Many believed Devers would transition to first base, but the 28-year-old shut down the idea on Thursday. He told reporters through an interpreter that the front office had approached him about the switch, and his response was a resounding “no.” Devers expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, stating that after being asked to play a different position with only two months of experience as a designated hitter, he felt it was not the right move.
He went on to criticize the front office, questioning their decision-making and integrity. Devers implied that the team should look for another player to fill the first base position and not expect him to play multiple positions. He openly challenged the decisions made by Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, indicating a strained relationship with the team’s management.
Devers, who is in the second year of a lucrative contract with the Red Sox, has been vocal about his desire to remain a third baseman. Despite his struggles at the plate earlier in the season, he has shown improvement and solid performance. However, his refusal to play anywhere else on defense has raised concerns within the organization.
With Casas sidelined, the Red Sox have been utilizing utility players at first base. Devers’ defensive statistics at third base have not been favorable, indicating a potential position change in the future.
It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, but Devers’ stance on his position and the team’s decisions has created tension within the organization.