Rafael Devers experienced a bit of tension during spring training. There seemed to be some disagreement between him and Red Sox manager Alex Cora regarding Devers’ role. Right before the season opener, Cora announced that Devers would take on the designated hitter role full-time. However, with the serious injury to first baseman Triston Casas, Red Sox management brought up the idea of Devers playing first base. Former pitcher and now chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, was part of this discussion. Unfortunately for the team, Devers was not open to the suggestion.
In a recent statement, Devers indicated he had previously received guidance from the Red Sox management on his designated role. He mentioned, “I understand I’m a player, but they can’t expect me to play every position out there,” using a translator for clarity. He added that during spring training, they had even advised him to put away his gloves.
On the matter of switching positions, Devers expressed uncertainty about the appropriateness of such requests. “I feel like asking me to play another position isn’t really fair,” he remarked.
Devers also pondered whether Breslow might be dissatisfied with him for some reason, wondering aloud about their relationship. Nonetheless, he reassured everyone that he shares a solid bond with his teammates.
While he was critical of some of the decisions made by the general manager, he humorously noted that if another outfielder got hurt, they might need him out there. With Casas expected to be sidelined for the entire season due to his knee injury, the team is left with a significant gap to fill.
Devers suggested that the front office should actively seek a solution in the free-agent market rather than placing the burden on him. He reflected, “I think it’s time for them to do their job and find another player to fill that role instead of leaving it to me.”
Having signed a hefty $313.5 million contract with the Red Sox back in January 2023, Devers managed to finish last season with 28 home runs. So far this season, he has already hit six home runs in 39 games.
