Spring training is the time for positional competition or, as has surfaced with the Boston Red Sox, a time for drama. This latest drama and position battle revolves around Rafael Devers.
Devers is the incumbent third baseman, but the Red Sox brought in a new hire with the signing of Alex Bregman. Bregman was recently honored with a Gold Glove for fielding excellence in 2024, an award that will never appear in the Devers' trophy case. Red Sox management has its share of mud because it is not as open as possible with Devers.
Devers has responded to the possible territorial intrusion with a certain level of defiance. Teammate Triston Casas — who could lose his first base position if Devers is switched — supported Devers. Camaraderie is important.
Alex Cora will be the point person in sorting this out in spring training, soothing Devers's ire, and attempting to create unity in the clubhouse. The goal is to make the defense as tight as possible without shedding offense. Good luck with that.
Would another team be willing to absorb Rafael Devers' Red Sox contract off waivers?
There has been a flurry of possible trade destinations for Devers, but if this remains unsettled, I propose irrevocable or outright waivers. Devers would be available to any team wishing to take on his contract. Boston would get nothing in return except fewer migraines and a world of payroll relief.
Boston has been down this path with Manny Ramírez, whom they placed on irrevocable waivers at the end of a tragic 2003 season. There were no takers, and Manny went on to several magnificent seasons. In hindsight, Manny was undoubtedly oblivious to the entire situation or could not care less — Manny being Manny.
With Devers, his contract is a substantial burden now that the Bregman contract has pushed them over the luxury tax. There is still a short list of losers in the Juan Soto sweepstakes who may delight in absorbing a contract without losing players or prospects.
Waivers are supposed to be sacrosanct or a state secret known only to the front offices around baseball. But, alas, the word does seep out as gossip is coin. How would Devers respond? The favorable me says with professionalism and a desire for an MVP season. The other me fears it may be precisely what Devers has shown recently. Hopefully, this will be a windstorm that turns into a gentle breeze.