Let’s talk about the situation brewing in Fort Myers, where the Boston Red Sox have stirred the pot in a big way.
Rafael Devers, Boston’s long-time third baseman and offensive powerhouse, is facing a curveball he probably didn’t see coming.
The team went out and landed Alex Bregman on a hefty three-year, $120 million deal, which means Devers suddenly has to answer some uncomfortable questions—like whether he’s still the guy at the hot corner.
Devers’ Initial Reaction: Holding His Ground
Devers didn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat when asked about shifting positions. At 28, with three All-Star nods and a reputation as one of baseball’s best young hitters, he’s earned the right to be a little territorial.
But then comes David Ortiz—Big Papi himself—offering a little wisdom from someone who’s been through it all. And when Ortiz talks, players listen.
“At some point, it’s all about putting the ego aside,” Ortiz said on WEEI’s Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast. His point? This isn’t a slight against Devers. It’s not about pushing him out or taking away his spot—it’s about improving the Red Sox.
Ortiz knows the grind, the pressure, the expectations that come with being the face of a franchise. And more than anything, he knows that winning cures everything.
The Red Sox Are in Win-Now Mode
And let’s be honest, the Red Sox need to win. Three last-place finishes in five years? That’s not exactly the standard in Boston.
So, Craig Breslow went to work this offseason, bringing in arms for the rotation, shoring up a bullpen that’s been a rollercoaster, and then making the biggest splash of all—Bregman.
The two-time World Series champ, 2024 Gold Glove winner, and battle-tested veteran is exactly the kind of player you want on a team that desperately needs an identity shift.
The question now is, how does Devers fit into all of this? The easy answer is that his bat keeps him in the lineup no matter what. The guy can rake, and the Red Sox aren’t about to mess with that. But defensively? That’s where things get interesting.
Maybe he stays at third, maybe he DHs more often, maybe he even flirts with first base down the road. Whatever the case, Ortiz seems confident that Devers will figure it out.
A Good Problem to Have
The reality is that this is a good problem for the Red Sox. A team that’s been lacking talent depth suddenly has options.
And if Devers and Bregman can co-exist and keep the focus on winning, Boston might just be back in business sooner than people think.
Opening Day is March 27—plenty of time for things to shake out, but one thing’s for sure: the Red Sox aren’t waiting around anymore. They’re making moves, and it’s up to Devers to roll with the changes.
