It’s been a tension-filled spring training for the Boston Red Sox.
The drama started after the Red Sox signed two-time All-Star and Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract, with opt-outs after the first and second year. Boston, obviously, already has an All-Star third baseman in Rafael Devers, who ranks among the worst defensively in baseball. He’s committed 141 errors in eight seasons and has either led the American League or all of baseball in errors seven times. During his time in Boston, Devers has hit 200 home runs and 255 doubles, with an .856 OPS, 126 OPS+, and 22.5 bWAR.
When asked last month if he would move off third base to accommodate Bregman, Devers emphatically stated he wouldn’t relinquish the hot corner and become the team’s designated hitter.
However, his tune changed after speaking to reporters on Thursday, including The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey.
“We spoke already, and I’m good to do whatever they want me to do,” said Devers through translator Daveson Perez. “I’m here to help. I’ve already spoken with them about that, and they know where I stand. I’m just ready to play.”
Devers has yet to take the field this spring as he’s still strengthening his shoulders following last year’s injuries that shut him down late in the season.
Despite Devers’ apparent change of heart, a team insider reveals that the three-time All-Star nearly forced his way out of Boston.
Insider: Rafael Devers considered asking for trade from Boston Red Sox
MassLive’s Sean McAdam reports that Devers was considering asking the Red Sox to trade him as he enters the third year of his 10-year, $313.5 million contract.
“According to sources, Devers was angry enough about the situation to consider asking for a trade. And it’s possible that, as part of his ‘private conversations’ with Craig Breslow and Co. that he indeed relayed that,” McAdam reports. “Devers is savvy enough to know the Red Sox are not about to disclose any such request, since, if it ever came to a point where a trade was seriously considered, the Sox would lose leverage if Devers was rather publicly shooting his way out of town.”
It would’ve been a massive headache for the Red Sox front office if Devers had demanded out. That’s an incredibly large contract to move, and Boston would’ve had to swallow a significant portion if they wanted any decent player haul in return.
As for Devers, if he did demand a trade, would he only go to a team where he could keep playing third base? Likely not.
In the meantime, with Bregman moving to third and Devers shifting to DH, the door opens for top prospect Kristian Campbell to take over second base for the season.
