Red Sox challenging Rafael Devers to hit third in order this spring

The Boston Red Sox have moved Rafael Devers up to third in the order this spring, a change manager Alex Cora hinted could become permanent.

With pre-season preparations in full swing, opening day is getting nearer and nearer. For Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora and his staff, there’ll be plenty to concentrate on, as they continue to get to watch players from outside the 25-man roster perform. There likely won’t be many significant changes to a roster that was jubilant last October, but with the loss of key bullpen guys, there’ll be opportunities for players on the outskirts.

As far as the Red Sox line up goes, it won’t be a shock come opening day. What will be interesting, however, is how Cora manages his batting order. With Andrew Benintendi looking to hit leadoff, followed by the reigning AL MVP Mookie Betts, what we do know is that it’s going to be just as strong as last year. A real difference maker could be who hits third. Young third base star Rafael Devers is now the leading candidate for this spot in the order.

Throughout what we’ve seen in spring training, up until now, the 22-year-old Devers has experienced batting third on numerous occasions. With the talented youngster remaining in this slot as the Red Sox now have their starters playing regularly, this is looking increasingly like a permanent role for Devers.

“I’m going to challenge him,” Cora told the Boston Herald’s Jason Mastrodonato. “That doesn’t mean he’s going to hit third during the season, but he knows. I talked to him about it. And I know what he wants. He wants to hit in the middle of the lineup. And if he comes through, we’ll take advantage of that.”

As a middle order batter last year, Devers was highly effective. He did have his dry patches, but overall, enjoyed a strong personal year in what was an outstanding year for the organization. If he can lock down a more consistent swing, Devers has the potential to be as good as any third baseman, offensively.

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From lower down in the order in 2018, Devers certainly showed his ability to help the team score runs. He batted in 66, tallying 21 home runs in total. Over what was an incredible postseason, Devers was able to record ten hits, while managing nine RBI – including a three-run home run in the ALCS clinching game in Houston.

There’s definitely a scenario where Devers hits third for the Red Sox and, in doing so, does as well as anybody else could. Going into, what will be, only his second full season in the majors, Devers is expected to produce numbers on a nightly basis. It’s easy to forget that he’s only 22, but this is what comes with being a star in Boston. With years and years left in his career, Devers will only continue to get better as a hitter, and ballplayer in general.

What we do know is that he’s ready for the spotlight now and will turn up to the regular season as ready as ever before. Whether he hits third or near the bottom of the order, there’ll be figures that he’ll produce for this side. Devers remains a key piece of this team and with continued growth, he can become a great bat in this Sox line up.