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When Rafael Devers signed an 11-year extension with the Red Sox in 2023, he believed it came with the understanding he would be the team’s third baseman for the long term.
Just two years into that deal, the Red Sox now have a better defensive third baseman on the roster in the newly signed Alex Bregman.
And the front office that signed Devers to said extension now has a new leader in Craig Breslow, who seemingly does not feel he has to honor previous baseball czar Chaim Bloom’s promises.
It’s created an awkward situation that is engulfing Red Sox camp.
“Different people here, right?” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Monday about honoring that prior commitment. “There’s a different leader here. Chaim (Bloom) is in St. Louis now.”
Cora’s answer highlighted the tough reality that Boston will have to deal with since Devers has made it clear he does not plan to move off third base.
Devers repeatedly stated Monday that he would not serve as the team’s designated hitter or play first base. He believes third base is his position.
“They asked me a question how I feel about DH,” Devers said through a translator. “And I gave them the answer I just gave, no.”
Cora and Breslow met with Devers last Friday to discuss a possible position change since they now can move some pieces around with Bregman in town on a three-year, $120 million deal.
Boston could theoretically move Bregman to third base and use Devers as a designated hitter or to fill in at first base at times, while allowing top prospect Kristian Campbell to man second base.
The Red Sox also could just continue to use Devers at third base and put Bregman at second base.
Devers had a minus-9 defensive runs saved rating last season at third base, compared to Bregman’s plus-6 mark that won him his first Gold Glove.
The incumbent third baseman said he has not thought much about possibly asking for a trade, but it’s clear he won’t be happy if he has to switch positions.
Bregman said he wants to play wherever will help the team win.
“I don’t know what caused the change, but I know I’ve worked really hard on my defense throughout the years,” Devers said through a translator. “I feel that last year I had a really good year. I still have a lot to go give but I definitely feel like last year was really good and I hope to continue doing that.”
He added: “I believe in people’s word and I take it to heart and I was very surprising that they would suggest that.”
Cora said it’s too early to declare who will line up where when the Red Sox open the season on the road against the Rangers on March 27, but he stressed flexibility.
“Decisions are going to be made here about roster construction and what we do in the future, and we want to make sure we have the best team possible out there,” Cora said. “(Devers) has a lot of pride, we know that and he feels he’s a third baseman, he’s going to work out as a third baseman and then we’re going to make decisions accordingly. I think there, it’s not about Bregman or Devers or Cora, it’s about the Red Sox. Whatever decision we make is for the benefit of the team.”
