The Boston Red Sox will be playing meaningful baseball in eight days, as the March 27 season opener against the Texans Rangers will mark the highly anticipated debuts of Garrett Crochet and Alex Bregman.
Position battles have been the story of the past week, and manager Alex Cora looks to get the Opening Day roster finalized in the remaining five Spring Training games.
Comments made by Cora Wednesday morning hinted at two positions in the Opening Day lineup being set, and this comes as good news for the Red Sox, who are looking to move past dramatics and start playing ball.
Rafael Devers Unlikely to Play Third Base for Remainder of Spring Training
Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reported the comments made by Cora on X, as an unsteady past month in the Rafael Devers camp is starting to look better for Boston and their Opening Day plans.
Rafael Devers is very unlikely to play third before the end of spring training, Alex Cora said.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) March 19, 2025
After Devers stated that he would not DH for the Red Sox after the team brought in Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman, things were looking bleak. Devers even thought about requesting a trade in the midst of the drama.
The situation was diffused over the past week, as Devers made comments that signify he wants to help Boston reach the playoffs for the first time in four years, even if it means he's designated hitting.
"We spoke already, and I'm good to do whatever they want me to do, I'm here to help. I’ve already spoken with them about that and they know where I stand, but I’m just ready to play."Rafael Devers
Fast forward to now, as the decision to not play Devers at third for the rest of Spring Training means that Cora is looking to pencil Alex Bregman into the position, with Devers at DH. Having Devers' productive bat and Bregman's glove at the hot corner is the best possible scenario for the club, and gives them the best chance to win.
Devers made 12 errors last season, the lowest total of his career, but the Red Sox want to see more consistency out of the position in 2025.
"Raffy" provides his value at the plate, and is projected to record 29 home runs and 87 RBIs while slashing .270/.350/.504 on Fangraphs 2025 Projections. Devers will likely see the majority of his at-bats in the 2-spot, after Jarren Duran and before Alex Bregman.
The Red Sox, with Devers at his new position, have their eyes set on returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2021, and possess the eighth-best odds to win the World Series (+1800) on FanDuel Sportsbook.