The Boston Red Sox solved a lot of roster problems in the offseason and they now appear poised for a return to the playoffs.
The team traded for Garrett Crochet and signed Walker Buehler, two major additions for their rotation. And it brought in veteran Aroldis Chapman and Liam Hendriks to compete for the closer role. But its most dramatic solution, a blockbuster contract for top free agent Alex Bregman, caused some more problems.
The addition seemed to frustrate franchise slugger Rafael Devers, who was initially adamant at remaining on third base despite his defensive struggles there and the fact that Bregman has been a much more effective third baseman over his career with the Houston Astros.
Devers has since capitulated on that stance. But, in his latest for MassLive, Red Sox insider Sean McAdam revealed that Devers’ frustration was much more dramatic than many realized.
“According to sources, Devers was angry enough about the situation to consider asking for a trade,” McAdam reported. “And it’s possible that, as part of his ‘private conversations’ with Craig Breslow and Co. that he indeed relayed that. Devers is savvy enough to know the Red Sox are not about to disclose any such request, since, if it ever came to a point where a trade was seriously considered, the Sox would lose leverage if Devers was rather publicly shooting his way out of town.”
McAdam noted that Devers was angered by the sudden change to the Red Sox infield, particularly after the team’s front office had assured him that the idea of Bregman joining the infield was mere speculation.
Now that Devers has signaled his willingness to change positions, it’s all but certain Bregman will be the team’s everyday third baseman for 2025. But it’s possible that Devers still views the change as temporary and himself as a franchise third baseman. Bregman has the chance to opt out of his contract and re-test the market after the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
“Behind closed doors, (Devers) lets the Red Sox know, in no uncertain terms, that he’s still feeling aggrieved and disrespected,” McAdam added. “Meanwhile, to the public, he is the dutiful employee, doing what he’s told to do.”
If Devers does enjoy the positives of less demanding defensive work and the team makes the playoffs thanks to the pairing with Bregman, perhaps his feelings about the situation will change. But for now, even after signaling a willingness to play wherever the team wants him, the franchise slugger could still be holding onto a grudge.
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