Boston red Sox Manager Alex Cora makes surprising Announcing that Rafael Devers has been made…
In a significant shift for the Boston Red Sox, manager Alex Cora has announced that Rafael Devers will transition from third base to designated hitter (DH), with newly acquired Alex Bregman taking over at third base. ​
Devers, a three-time All-Star and key offensive contributor, has been a fixture at third base since his MLB debut in 2017. However, defensive challenges have marked his tenure at the position, leading the league in errors for seven consecutive seasons. In contrast, Bregman, a recent addition to the Red Sox roster, brings a strong defensive pedigree, including a Gold Glove award in 2024. ​
Initially, Devers expressed reluctance to move from third base, stating, “Third base is my position.” However, after discussions with Cora and Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow, Devers softened his stance, saying, “I’m good to do whatever they want me to do. I’m here to help.” ​
Cora acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized the team’s commitment to winning. “We made a decision: Alex is going to play third, Raffy’s going to DH,” Cora stated. “We all are in the winning business, and he understands that.” ​The lineup adjustment positions Devers to bat second, followed by Bregman in the third spot. Cora believes this configuration will benefit both players and the team overall. “I think having Alex behind him is going to benefit him,” Cora commented. “Honestly, I expect a great season from Raffy offensively.”
This strategic move aims to bolster the Red Sox’s defensive capabilities while preserving Devers’ offensive impact. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the redefined roles of Devers and Bregman will be pivotal in shaping the Red Sox’s performance on the field