A good chunk of the Boston Red Sox's spring training experience has been centered around third baseman Rafael Devers.
The veteran slugger caused a stir shortly after the Red Sox signed fellow 3B Alex Bregman last month. Devers made it abundantly clear that he didn't want to leave the hot corner in favor of the designated hitter role, leaving the fanbase wondering if a potential spring trade was in the cards.
A deal never materialized as Devers seemingly accepted the reality of the situation as time went on. That was proven on Thursday when the three-time MLB All-Star told reporters that he's "good to do whatever (the Red Sox)" need him to do this season, which includes spending time as the DH.
While it's great to see Devers putting the team first, his change of attitude doesn't mean he wasn't nearly moved amid the 3B drama.
Red Sox Rumors: Rafael Devers Nearly Asked for Spring Training Trade
On Friday, MassLive's Sean McAdam reported that the Red Sox's third base drama got to the point where Devers nearly demanded a trade last month.
"Devers was angry enough about the situation to consider asking for a trade," McAdam wrote. "It's possible that, as part of his 'private conversations' with Craig Breslow and Co., that he indeed relayed that."
Devers' alleged request isn't shocking, considering how visibly upset he was at the start of spring training. Finding a trade partner would've likely been easier said than done, though, given that the two-time Silver Slugger is still under contract through 2033 after signing a 10-year, $313.5 million deal just over two years ago.
Interestingly enough, Devers' comments regarding his being a team player don't mean the drama is over. McAdam added that the Dominican veteran is likely still upset about Bregman's arrival even if he's willing to put on a smile for the cameras.
"Behind closed doors, (Devers) lets the Red Sox know, in no uncertain terms, that he’s still feeling aggrieved and disrespected. Meanwhile, to the public, he is the dutiful employee, doing what he’s told to do."Sean McAdam on Rafael Devers
Hopefully, Devers stays true to his word by doing whatever it takes to help the Red Sox succeed. The left-handed batter has been one of the American League's best players for over half a decade and is coming off a 2024 performance that saw him tally 28 home runs, 83 RBIs, and 67 walks while slashing .272/.354/.516 across 138 at-bats, leading to his third All-Star nod in four seasons.
Having said that, Red Sox fans have seen more of Devers off the field than they have on the diamond this spring. His exhibition debut has been pushed back due to timing issues, leaving time to tell if he'll finally suit up for this weekend's slate.
At the end of the day, Boston needs a fully committed and focused Devers to help chase a potential playoff berth. FanDuel Sportsbook is currently favoring the Red Sox to qualify for the 2025 MLB postseason at -140 odds — an implied probability of 58.3%.
More Boston Red Sox News & Rumors:
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.