Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers working on becoming a “complete player”

Rafael Devers is having a fantastic season at the plate but the third baseman for the Boston Red Sox is making strides with his defense.

Much has been made about Rafael Devers having a breakout season at the plate but the Boston Red Sox third baseman isn’t content with contributing on offense. He’s well aware that defense matters.

The glove of Devers has induced some cringe-worthy moments throughout his young career. The nine errors that he’s committed this season tie him for most in the majors at his position and fourth-most overall.

Devers is gaining attention as an emerging slugger but the 22-year old has plenty of work to do on the defensive end if he wants to develop into the complete player he strives to be.

"“It’s an area that I’ve been working on consistently,” Devers said regarding his defense, according to The Boston Globe’s Nora Princiotti. “I have to be a complete player and I’m just trying to improve on that side of the game, as well.”"

Devers has the tools to be at least a solid defensive third baseman, even if he doesn’t always utilize those tools properly. The errors can be infuriating but he also shows flashes of the skill set that suggest he’s capable of improvement.

One such example was on display Thursday in Toronto. With two outs and a runner on second, Devers made a diving stab at a ground ball to his left, then fired a one-hopper from one knee to Michael Chavis at first base for the out.

If that ball gets through the infield it almost certainly scores a run. Instead, Travis Lakins escaped the seventh inning threat without any damage done.

Devers showed great range on the play, which despite his mounting miscues, has never been his problem at the hot corner. He has been above-average this season at getting to balls hit in his vicinity, posting 0.5 Range Runs (RngR) that ranks 8th among major league third basemen, per FanGraphs.

He also has 0 defensive runs saved this season, a league average level that is well ahead of last season’s -13 DRS.

More from Red Sox News

• Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
• Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
• Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
• Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
• Why Red Sox fans should be rooting for Carlos Correa’s Mets deal to go through

The 237 pound Devers is quicker on his feet than you might expect and he has the arm to make any throw from his position. His mistakes are mental errors. A routine grounder that he boots away. A throw that sails wide. A bouncing ball that clanks off his glove. These types of errors show a lack of focus from a young player.

On a play like the one he made in Toronto, Devers didn’t have time to think. He reacted on instinct to grab the ball and get rid of it quickly. There wasn’t time for Devers to get in his own head about what he needed to do, he simply did it. The result was a fantastic play.

Now, if he can only eliminate botching the routine plays. That’s going to take time but Devers will continue to grow with experience. His postgame comments show a mature awareness of what’s required of him and a desire to put in the work it takes to improve in the field.

Devers is already making the leap with his bat. Once his glove starts to catch up, his transition from promising prospect to star player will be complete.