The Boston Red Sox bringing in Alex Bregman may have created more roster questions than answers. Boston isn't yet certain where the veteran will play, but Rafael Devers' usual spot at third base is an option for the longtime Astro.
Devers hasn't taken the news of a potential position switch well. When asked if he'd be willing to move to designated hitter so Bregman can play his natural position at third base, Devers didn't mince words and said just, "No."
Red Sox Nation is split about how Boston's infield alignment should look in 2025, with some saying Bregman, fresh off a Gold Glove-winning season, should play third base. Others think Bregman should take up a permanent spot at second base, where the Sox have used around a dozen players since Dustin Pedroia's retirement. On Feb. 18, reporters asked first baseman Triston Casas to weigh in on the debate.
"I think it's Raffy Devers' position. I think he's the third baseman, and at that point, that's where it stands, and he's done it for a really long time now and I think he's only getting better at that position," Casas said. ". . . We don't know what the future holds but we know it holds Raffy Devers."
Triston Casas places his support behind Rafael Devers for Red Sox third base job
Triston Casas discusses Raffy's desire to stay at 3rd:
— NESN (@NESN) February 18, 2025
"I think [3rd base is] Raffy Devers' position... I think Bregman should play 2nd base. He's going to make the transition well - he's athletic enough to."#RedSox pic.twitter.com/NF7SLiuD5z
Casas continued, saying that playing in the infield will help keep Devers athletic and that he's "the best third baseman in the league." While his final point may be a stretch (José Ramírez still exists,) Casas' statement about Devers being the future of the Red Sox makes a lot of sense, especially since they got Bregman down to a three-year deal.
Devers' 10-year contract extension went into effect in 2024 and he and the Red Sox have a long future together. Casas' point about keeping Devers athletic for as long as possible could be critical to his success down the road. The 28-year-old has improved his defense in recent years, although not enough to rival Bregman's success at third. Even with two injured shoulders last season, Devers allowed 12 errors at third base, a career-low, which is still far higher than it could be. However, he did not have an experienced shortstop to his left, and Boston is hoping for a full, healthy season of Trevor Story this year.
Bregman is a better defender at third base than Devers, and there isn't much room for argument there. But Bregman's superior athleticism could make him better suited for a position change. The nine-year Astro mentioned during his free agency that he'd be willing to play a different position with his new team, and it's been years since the Red Sox have had a consistent second baseman.
Casas' response about Devers' future in the infield is more open than most teams would expect from someone who isn't the manager. At the end of the day, Casas' opinion has no effect on Alex Cora and Co.'s choice for the Opening Day roster, but his support for Devers echoes the thoughts of a portion of Red Sox Nation.