As the Boston Red Sox gear up for Opening Day, fans are buzzing with excitement as the team has made significant waves in their roster, reigniting hopes for a playoff return. After finishing the 2024 season with an 81-81 record and watching the postseason slip away, the Red Sox front office took a bold stance, particularly in reshaping their pitching staff. The headline-grabbing trade for Garrett Crochet, combined with the signings of Walker Buehler and Aroldis Chapman, signals a serious commitment to bolstering their mound presence, setting the tone for a fresh start.
On the infield front, the Red Sox made a noteworthy acquisition by signing star free agent Alex Bregman. Known for his offensive prowess and elite defensive skills, Bregman’s arrival has elevated expectations for the team. However, this addition hasn’t come without its share of drama. The crowded infield featuring both Bregman and Rafael Devers, a franchise cornerstone, created quite the storyline. Initially, Devers expressed his reluctance to move off third base, a position he has claimed as his own. Yet, in a surprising twist, manager Alex Cora has made the decision to utilize Devers primarily as the designated hitter, a move announced just days ago.
How does Devers, who has typically been a vocal part of such discussions, feel about the switch? In an interview with WEEI’s Rob Bradford, he kept it succinct: “Nothing changes.” It seems this transition won’t impact his game-day routine, which is great news for Red Sox fans. “I’m ready to start the season. I’m feeling good,” he added. “No difference (in preparing for at-bats as a DH). I have the same sequence that I always do to go out there and hit. Nothing changes… I’m excited to get going. Spring training is way too long.”
From an offensive standpoint, fans can look forward to Devers continuing his strong performance from the previous season. His 2024 numbers were impressive—hitting .272 with a .354 on-base percentage, 28 home runs, and 83 RBIs earned him a spot in the All-Star Game for the third time. While the injury bug did bite Devers, limiting him to 138 games, the shift away from the demanding position of third base could help mitigate those issues and allow him to focus solely on batting.
Moreover, with the addition of Bregman, the Red Sox are likely to see a marked improvement defensively at third base. His reputation as one of the premier defenders in the league means the team stands to benefit significantly from this move, hopefully sparking a resurgence not only in individual performances but in the team as a whole.
Now that the positional drama seems to be resolved, the Red Sox can fully concentrate on their goal of making a playoff push in 2025. With a revamped roster and a commitment to improving on last year’s performance, the excitement surrounding Fenway Park is palpable. The stage is set for what could be an electrifying season—one where the Red Sox aim to reclaim their spot among the league’s elite.
