After refusing a position move, Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers is now facing personal attacks from the local media and fan base.
For as long as sports have existed, bad behavior toward athletes has typically come from fans. Granted, everyone knows “fan” is short for “fanatic.” But when things turn personal, the narrative crosses into a darker space — one that no longer centers on baseball.
In Devers’ case, the story about his resistance to a position switch just entered that territory. But even more troubling is how the media has shifted the spotlight from baseball to personal criticism. One Boston media member, in particular, has turned up the heat on the Red Sox’s designated hitter.
Rafael Devers and the Newly Spun ‘Bad Teammate’ Narrative That Could Rip a Team Apart
By now, most fans know Boston first baseman Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury. Since then, the furor over Devers’ reluctance to move to first base has become the defining story of the season. Unfortunately, it now appears the situation is affecting the team on the field.
At the moment, the Red Sox are 23-25, sitting five games back of the New York Yankees in the AL East. From the outside, the first base situation continues to overshadow everything else. Meanwhile, Devers is taking heavy criticism — not from teammates, but from the local media. Boston sports radio host Matt McCarthy voiced his opinion on social media, doubling down on a familiar criticism.
I love it when you all retweet this, by the way.
Because it’s still true. He’s a crybaby who isn’t interested in winning. The Sox have a losing culture and a losing record, in part because of Devers’ attitude. He’s only interested in himself. He is not a team player. https://t.co/jqSJENSzfU
— Matt McCarthy (@MattMcCarthy985)
“He’s a crybaby who isn’t interested in winning. The Sox have a losing culture and a losing record, in part because of Devers’ attitude. He’s only interested in himself. He is not a team player,” McCarthy posted.
In truth, McCarthy misses the mark for a couple of reasons. Devers was blindsided by the club’s signing of Alex Bregman and was not informed in advance that he’d be moved to designated hitter. That likely triggered the frustration. And poor communication with one of your star players is, at best, a questionable decision.
MORE: Alex Bregman Shines Spotlight on Rafael Devers’ Latest Milestone Amid Backlash
McCarthy also didn’t mention Boston’s pitching problems. Outside of Garrett Crochet (4-3, 2.00 ERA), who leads the league in innings and strikeouts (73), the rest of the staff has struggled. For example, Tanner Houck (0-3, 8.04 ERA) has allowed 39 earned runs in 43 innings, and his outings keep unraveling.
The idea that Devers should have simply shifted to first base also doesn’t hold up. Sure, first base is easier to play than third, but you still need time to learn it well enough not to hurt the team.
Also, how does McCarthy know Devers is a bad teammate? Did a player say that? If so, his tweet didn’t mention it.
Devers is batting .289 with nine home runs and 38 RBIs (both team highs) and holds a .404 on-base percentage, also the best on the roster. Statistically, the 28-year-old leads or ranks in the top three in nearly every major category.
So it’s hard to fault a productive hitter who’s still performing, even as management decisions and media narratives swirl around him.