Red Sox star willing to change positions after balking at idea

Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers. Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

Red Sox star willing to change positions after initially balking at idea

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Mar 13, 2025 6:26 PM ET

When the Boston Red Sox signed All-Star and Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency this offseason, it was a pretty significant move in their quest to become relevant in the American League East again. It also caused a lot of drama as the Red Sox already had a third baseman in Rafael Devers.

While Bregman expressed a willingness to switch to second base, Devers was not as initially receptive to a position switch, emphatically stating that he was a third baseman and that was the position he intended to play.

Now that the 2025 regular season is inching its way closer, Devers has seemingly had a change of heart and is now willing to serve as the team's designated hitter and do whatever it takes to help the team win.

Devers made the comments on Thursday through an interpreter.

Rafael Devers on potentially being moved off of 3rd base ️⬇️

"I just want to help the team win. Whatever position I'm playing, I always take these things as a competition and as a way to get better." #RedSox pic.twitter.com/2JnHWBM9k7
— NESN (@NESN) March 13, 2025

“We spoke already, and I’m good to do whatever they want me to do,” Devers said through a translator. “I’m here to help. I’ve already spoken with them about that, and they know where I stand. I’m just ready to play.”

Whether or not Devers is happy to make the switch on a permanent basis remains to be seen, but the fact he is at least willing to make the move to open the season is a big step for the Red Sox.

The Red Sox are better with both Devers and Bregman in their lineup given their bats, and they are going to be better with Bregman's glove at third base over Devers.

As good as Devers is at the plate — and he is very good — he is not on Bregman's level as a fielder. Bregman has consistently been one of the league's best defensive third basemen and was finally rewarded with the Gold Glove this past season.

Devers, on the other hand, has had a negative defensive WAR in every season of his career. His bat is his strength, and for now, it seems he will be able to focus on just that.

Along with Bregman, the Red Sox also added starting pitcher Garrett Crochet in a trade with the Chicago White Sox, while also adding relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman in free agency. The Red Sox went 81-81 during the 2024 season and have not finished with a winning record since winning 92 games during the 2021 season. Adding Bregman, Crochet and Chapman should help them get into contention for at least a wild-card spot in the American League.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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