The Boston Red Sox had a very busy offseason, adding players such as Alex Bregman, Walker Buehler and Garrett Crochet to the mix.
One issue they’ve run into already is choosing who they want to play third base. Bregman has agreed to move to second base, but he is a far superior defender to Devers at third base.
Zachary Rotman of FanSided offered a prediction of what Boston’s Opening Day lineup will look like, and it also includes a disappointing solution to the drama, with Bregman playing second base and Devers third.
“[Kristian] Campbell’s omission from the roster makes it probable that Bregman will end up playing second base, with Devers (as long as he can throw) playing his preferred third base. This might not be what’s best for Boston, but chances are, the Red Sox will attempt to keep him happy until an infielder like Campbell or Mayer is ready to take over. The Red Sox likely won’t risk alienating Devers just so they can play David Hamilton or Vaughn Grissom regularly. Plus, this infield alignment allows the Red Sox to use Masataka Yoshida at DH.”
While Bregman makes the Red Sox better, having him at second base may not be the best thing for Boston, as he is a better defender at third base than Devers. Plus, several young players who were set to get some looks at second base are blocked.
Campbell in particular is blocked, and the Red Sox don’t have a clear fit on the roster for him. The Red Sox also are walking on eggshells with Devers, not wanting to move him off third base just so they can keep him content.
However, if he struggles defensively, Boston may have no choice but to move him to the DH spot and give Bregman third base duties.
We’ll see how things shake out in the coming weeks.
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