From the start of the 2025 season to just weeks ago, Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz defended Rafael Devers' reluctance to make position changes. He echoed Devers' feelings that position changes don't come easily and would take time.
The Hall of Famer has previously acknowledged Devers' shy personality and his pubic reluctance to be the "face" of the Red Sox franchise. He also defended Devers for not wanting to change positions again and potentially mess up his hot streak as the DH. But after the star was traded on June 15, Ortiz changed his tune.
"You can't imagine how many times I wrote to Devers trying to give him advice, but unfortunately, he has communication problems. He almost never returned my messages, but I don't blame him. He's a good guy, but he definitely needs to improve his communication. He should find an advisor to help him with that," Ortiz said, via Héctor Gómez, sports editor of Dominican news site Z101 Digital.
These comments are particularly interesting, as Ortiz has always seemed like something of a mentor or advisor to Devers. The two are often pictured together during Ortiz's visits to the club, in spring training, or during the regular season.
Red Sox legend David Ortiz says Rafael Devers was not responsive to his advice
His issues with Devers' communication, or lack thereof, appear to be new to the public, although consistent with what little most fans know about his personality. Devers has always been reserved and reluctant to accept his position as a public figure, while Ortiz is quite the opposite. He was the face of the franchise that the Red Sox wanted Devers to be — he has a big personality and took interviews and sponsorship opportunities. He also speaks English, which Devers isn't keen to do in front of reporters.
Communication has been a hot topic throughout discussions of the Devers trade. It seems Devers' relationship with the team truly began to fracture when it was dishonest about its plans to replace him as the third baseman. The Red Sox knew he would become the DH sooner or later, but the transition happened sooner than Devers was led to believe, and the front office's deception didn't help it land any easier.
As seasons passed in Devers' career, it seemed he had no intention of becoming the face of the franchise the Red Sox wanted him to be. Clearly, not even Ortiz's advice could change his mind. But the Red Sox still made a 10-year commitment to him, knowing his personality. It will forever be a shame that the two sides couldn't act like adults and settle their differences.