Ever since the Boston Red Sox signed Alex Bregman, there has been drama surrounding Rafael Devers' positional future.
That drama ended on March 26, as Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced in a radio interview with WEEI that Devers would officially be moving to designated hitter full-time, opening up third base for Bregman.
There was speculation that Bregman, the reigning AL Gold Glove winner at third base, would move to second base to accommodate Devers. When asked if he would be willing to change positions for Bregman, Devers said, "No. Third base is my position. It's what I play." However, it seems Devers has withdrawn his objection, or that Cora simply doesn't care.
"We all are in the winning business, and [Devers] understands that," Cora said.
Not only does this announcement mean that Bregman will replace Devers at third base, but it also opens up a spot for top prospect Kristian Campbell, who made the Opening Day roster, to play second base.
Alex Cora announced that Rafael Devers will be the every day DH for the Red Sox and Alex Bregman will play 3B pic.twitter.com/CYA4Pv5lvT
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 26, 2025
Red Sox announce permanent move to DH for Rafael Devers in 2025, Alex Bregman to play third base
Given Devers' apparent intransigence, it appeared that the Sox would be in a pickle. Bregman is clearly the better defender, as Devers has struggled mightily at the hot corner for the past several seasons. But Devers is still the face of this franchise, a status confirmed by the monumental extension he signed just over two years ago. It's always hard to go against the wishes of your franchise player.
However, this is unequivocally the right move for the Red Sox's future. Devers' defense has been a liability for some time now, and the Sox have been desperately looking for a way to move him either to DH or first base. Although Bregman lacks Devers' bat at this stage in his career, he is certainly the better option in the field. Not only that, but with Bregman at third base instead of second, it gives Campbell a chance to make a name for himself right away in 2025.
Luckily, it appears as though Devers has prioritized winning and acquiesced. And ultimately, that is what your franchise player is supposed to do — win at any cost necessary.