FORT MYERS, Fla. (WHDH) – Rafael Devers says he wants to keep playing third base despite the Red Sox signing Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman.
Bregman reported to spring training for Monday’s first full-squad workout. But not to the delight of the incumbent — FDevers.
When Devers was asked how we would react if he was asked to be designated hitter, he simply replied, “No.”
On the day of the Red Sox’ first full-squad workout, Devers made it crystal clear that he has no interest in moving off of third base, even if the arrival of Gold Glover Bregman would mean getting better defense at the position.
“Third base is my position, it’s what I’ve played — I don’t know what their plans are, like I know we had a conversation, I made it clear kind of what my desires were, and yeah, whatever happens from here, I don’t know,” Devers said through an interpreter.
Devers, who’s struggled at times in the field, says he was promised when he signed his 11-year, $331 million extension, that he’d remain at the hot corner, but manager Alex Cora hasn’t come to any decision on how he’ll align his infield.
“It’s too early right now to say that Raffy’s going to be a DH, or he’s going to play third base, that Alex is going to be a second baseman, or he’s going to play third base. You know, there’s competition here,” Cora said.
“It’s not about Bregman, or Devers, or Cora, it’s about the Red Sox, right? And whatever decision we make is for the benefit of the team,” he continued.
And regardless of how the lineup shakes out, it’s a team that Devers believes should be better in 2025.
“Honestly, I think we have a hell of a team, you know, I’m grateful to ownership for the moves that they made, the pieces that they added, and yeah, I’m really happy and ready to get going. I’m excited about what we have,” Devers said in Spanish.
There is still plenty of time for this to sort itself out, as opening day is still five and a half weeks away.
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