It appears that the Boston Red Sox Third Base controversy is not over yet.
Top offseason acquisition Alex Bregman has been working out at his natural position this spring, and combined with his defensive metrics being an improvement over Rafael Devers, there’s been a belief that Devers would have to abandon the spot he's manned for the past seven-plus seasons. With a very impressive bat but the worst defensive runs saved (-9) among starting 3B last year, it would make sense for Devers to transition to a full-time DH.
That may not be the case, as both Bregman and Devers were seen fielding ground balls together at third base.
Other national predictions had Bregman moving over to second base when his signing was first announced, and that feeling was compounded by Devers' initial hesitance to move away from third. As it stands, both options seem to still be on the table.
Still, it's good news for Boston fans to know that two of their stars aren't already at each other's throats before the season gets underway.
Bregman hit .260 with 26 HRs and 75 RBIs in his final season with the Astros. He moves from one ballpark with favorable left field dimensions - thanks to Houston's Crawford Boxes - to another, thanks to the Green Monster at Fenway.
Devers slashed .272/.354/.516 with 28 HRs and 83 RBIs for Boston in 2024. He and Bregman will both be counted on to provide pop in the middle of the lineup, especially following Tyler O'Neill's departure to AL East rival Baltimore.
