Rafael Devers is the Boston Red Sox’s third baseman.
That might sound obvious to some, seeing as Devers — one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball — has held down the hot corner in Boston since debuting with the franchise in 2017.
But there’s been talk about the Red Sox adding a right-handed bat to their lineup this offseason, with fellow third baseman Alex Bregman among the top free agents available.
So, would the Red Sox consider a position change for Devers, who theoretically could move across the diamond to first base and/or become Boston’s primary designated hitter?
“I feel like that’s come up a bunch, and Raffy is our third baseman,” Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow told reporters Monday. “He’s having a really productive offseason. I saw him a couple of weeks ago — looks great, feels great. Really optimistic about what we’re going to get out of him. He’s talked about coming to Fort Myers early this year and really focusing on getting himself ready to have a great season.
“That said, we’ll be open minded, we’ll be creative in terms of how we put together the best roster. But as things stand right now, Raffy’s our third baseman.”
Make of that what you will.
While it doesn’t sound like a position change for Devers is imminent, Breslow didn’t exactly slam the door, either. Ultimately, it simply might come down to what options are available.
If the Red Sox sign Bregman, for instance, the newcomer conceivably could play third base, where he just won a Gold Glove. Moving Devers obviously would have a trickle-down effect, though, with first baseman Triston Casas and outfielder/DH Masataka Yoshida most impacted by the relocation. Boston always could opt to have Bregman play second base instead, forming a double-play tandem with shortstop Trevor Story.
Whatever the case, it’s clear the Red Sox are leaving no stone unturned in their effort to build a competitive club for 2025. The rotation already looks much improved, and Breslow on Monday indicated what other areas he’d like to address before Opening Day.
