Spring training has been clouded by early drama for the Boston Red Sox, particularly regarding third base and the dynamic between Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers. For Alex Cora, having too many quality players and not enough spots is a rare dilemma. However, the way Boston pursued Bregman this offseason reportedly left Devers feeling blindsided, leading to his firm stance against moving to DH.
Despite the tension, no final resolution has been reached. One thing that has become evident is that top prospect Kristian Campbell may not be ready to take over at second base just yet. Meanwhile, David Hamilton has impressed in spring training, building on a strong rookie season in 2024, making it difficult to keep him off the roster and out of the lineup. As a result, the idea of shifting Bregman to second remains uncertain.
More importantly, Cora and the Red Sox may not have as tough of a decision regarding Bregman and Devers as initially expected. Not only has Bregman been on fire at the plate, delivering the right-handed power bat Boston has long desired, but Devers has yet to see any action on the field this spring.
Alex Bregman’s red-hot spring and Rafael Devers health should make Red Sox decision easy
Regarding Rafael Devers, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reported on Friday that his spring training debut has been delayed. Initially expected to play last week, his return has now been pushed back by about a week. According to Alex Cora, the Red Sox are now targeting Tuesday, March 11, or Wednesday, March 12, for Devers to take the field for the first time this spring as he continues to recover from the shoulder injuries that affected him throughout the 2024 season.
Alex Bregman continued to showcase his dominance in his first spring training with Boston, delivering a standout performance in Friday’s blowout win over the Marlins. He went 2-for-2 with a home run, two RBIs, and a walk before being pulled, raising his spring average to a scorching .471 with a staggering 1.542 OPS. While it’s still spring training, the way he’s driving the ball has Red Sox fans envisioning him peppering the Green Monster at Fenway Park.
Given Bregman’s stellar play and defensive capabilities, combined with Devers’ lingering health concerns, the decision for the Red Sox is becoming increasingly clear: Bregman at third and Devers at DH. While this could create uncertainty regarding Masataka Yoshida’s immediate role—though Wilyer Abreu’s health might open an outfield spot—this setup is the best way forward for Boston.
This isn’t just about Devers’ defense—it’s about keeping him healthy. His ongoing shoulder issues remain a concern, and shifting him to DH would allow him to focus entirely on his biggest strength: hitting. With Bregman providing a defensive upgrade at third, the speedy David Hamilton likely securing a lineup spot, and Bregman’s bat further bolstering the offense, the move becomes a no-brainer.
As for team chemistry, there appears to be no tension between Devers and Bregman. The two were seen working together before Friday’s game, reinforcing the team’s stance that there are no lingering issues in the clubhouse despite Devers’ initial comments.
The Red Sox have yet to make a final decision on how they’ll structure the infield and DH roles. However, given everything that has unfolded in spring training so far, the direction seems increasingly clear.