Why Hall of Fame slugger is right about Rafael Devers-Red Sox controversy

Ortiz isn't the only Hall of Famer to give his opinion on the matter. Former Baltimore Orioles pitcher-turned-broadcaster Jim Palmer also weighed in. But he criticized Devers and suggested Ortiz "have a conversation" with the Boston star.

"Move across the diamond for Bregman, who won the Gold Glove at third in 2024," Palmer tweeted. "Otherwise, [he's] just a me,me, I, I type of player."

Over the span of their careers, Bregman has proved to be a better defensive player than Devers. But this comes down to how stars are treated, especially a star such as Devers, who is the face of the franchise and slugged 28 homers last season. 

The Red Sox could take a cue from their rival, the New York Yankees. After signing Rodriguez in 2004 after he won back-to-back Gold Gloves at shortstop with the Texas Rangers, New York moved A-Rod to third instead of Derek Jeter. 

Was it the right move? That could be argued forever, but the Yankees won a World Series and made three other trips to the ALCS with Jeter at short and A-Rod at third.

For the Red Sox, it should be Devers' position to lose. Should his play warrant a change, then make a change. But for now, Big Papi is right: Devers should be Boston's third baseman.