With spring training underway, the start of the 2025 Major League Baseball season is right around the corner.
One of the more interesting storylines in the league is the situation in Boston.
Of course I’m referring to Rafael Devers’ refusal to move off of third base and make way for incoming superstar Alex Bregman.
While Devers can say whatever he wants, the fact of the matter is it isn’t his decision to make. And if he continues down this road, things could get quite tense in no time…
As Devers stands his ground on remaining at third base, Bregman is taking a flexible, team-first approach.
With the Boston Red Sox kicking off spring training, the infield situation is a major talking point – but Bregman is making it clear that winning comes first.
Just hours after Devers’ widely discussed press conference, manager Alex Cora hosted a team dinner, creating an opportunity for his two star infielders to connect.
The setting temporarily helped ease any potential tension between Devers and Bregman.
“They’ve been great. We’ve been having a lot of fun,” Bregman said of his new teammates.
“We’ve been taking ground balls together, talking about winning, baseball, and the excitement for the season. Last night, we all got together for dinner. It’s great.”
Bregman, last season’s AL Gold Glove winner at third, has no problem adjusting if needed.
“I’m super excited to just be his teammate,” Bregman said of Devers. “He’s a great player. I think everyone in this clubhouse is focused on winning, and whatever it takes to help the team win – that’s all I’m focused on.
“I’ll play wherever AC tells me to play.”
Cora, who orchestrated the team dinner at his home, was pleased to see Devers and Bregman building rapport.
“They were talking for 45 minutes,” he noted, a sign that both players are approaching the situation with professionalism.
Despite Devers’ firm stance on sticking at third, Bregman remains unfazed.
“I think everybody here believes in their abilities,” he said. “If we all put together a strong effort this season, we have a great chance of being a winning baseball team.
“For me, I can only speak for myself – I’ll play wherever it helps the team win.”
While the Red Sox haven’t confirmed any positional changes, speculation continues about how the infield will shape up.
First baseman Triston Casas didn’t hesitate to weigh in, believing Bregman’s athleticism makes him a strong fit for second base.
“I think Bregman should play second, yes. I think he’s going to transition well – he’s athletic enough to,” Casas said. “And I think Trevor [Story] is going to play an awesome shortstop.”
Coming off a solid offseason, there is once again hope in Boston that the Sox can compete for a World Series title.
Cora and the front office are hoping that Bregman will bring a Dustin Pedroia-like attitude to the club – something they’ve been sorely missing for years.
However, based on Devers’ comments, it appears that things have gotten off on the wrong foot.
Where do you stand on the whole third base debate? … Should the Sox look to trade Devers if he continues to cause headaches???
