Rafael Devers has been the Boston Red Sox’s third baseman since the 2017 season, and many expected him to continue in that role for 2025. However, those plans have changed.
Not many people saw Boston signing Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal during the offseason. Because the Red Sox made this move, manager Alex Cora had to have some tough conversations with Devers about the possibility of not playing third base in 2025. Cora explained what he discussed with Devers before they signed Bregman.
Boston Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Describes How He Handled Conversations With Rafael Devers
Cora appeared on “Foul Territory TV” to talk about his conversations with Devers before the team signed Bregman. The Red Sox manager said, “You have to be very careful with what you say because if it doesn’t happen, how are people going to take it?
“Talking to him…there was a reason I came here. It was to see the kids and, obviously, be around him. I was very honest, there’s a lot of things going on. This might happen,” Cora said.
He continued, adding, “That bench over there, that’s real. That bench over there, they’re going to put the mic on in front of you, and like I always said, ‘You be as transparent as you want.’ And he was very honest this year; he was very honest last year.”
"You have to be very careful with what you say because if it doesn't happen, how are people going to take it?"
Red Sox manager Alex Cora explains how he handled conversations with Rafael Devers leading up to the Alex Bregman signing. pic.twitter.com/HIYwfZs3Nm
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 19, 2025
Bregman initially thought he was going to sign with the Detroit Tigers, but at the last moment, the Red Sox made a move for him. That decision changed the landscape of the team heading into the 2025 season.
It looked like Devers would be Boston’s starting third baseman again, but now he will be the designated hitter instead. The former Houston Astros third baseman will take over at third for Boston in 2025. Some thought he might play second base while Devers remained at third, but with Devers moving to DH, David Hamilton is projected to start at second base.
Signing Bregman strengthens the Red Sox lineup for 2025. There will likely be games where Devers plays third base and Bregman shifts to second, as Cora will adjust his lineup based on matchups. Another player to watch this season is Trevor Story.
Cora’s conversation with Devers before signing Bregman was crucial. It’s rare for teams to bring in a star player at a position where they already have an established star. Having both Devers and Bregman on the roster is a luxury for Boston, and this move could be a key reason why the Red Sox contend for the American League East title this season.