Fresh from the signature of star three-base Alex Bregman, the Boston Red Sox could have problems in the hot corner.
Devers, 28, said that even if the team asked him to move to first base or become a DH, he would not be the designated batsman for Boston (DH).
“3 base is my position.” Devers said through an interpreter at the Red Sox Camp in Fort Myers, Florida.. “That's what I played. I don't know what their plans are. We know we had a conversation. I made it clear what my desires were. Yeah. No matter what happens from here, I don't know.”
Devers said the conversation took place on Friday with manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.
The Red Sox have the third logjam after signing Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal.
Kora indicated on Friday that no decisions have been made regarding infield integrity.
“He has a lot of pride,” Kora said of Devers. “We know that. He feels like he's the third base hand. He's going to exercise as a three base hand. We're going to make a decision accordingly. Here, it's Bregman , Deverse, not about Kora. For the Boston Red Sox. What we do will be done for the team's benefit.”
Devers never started the game with a pro other than the third, but Bregman started with 107th in the shortstop majors and second two.
But Bregman is a defensive three-base move that is far better than Diver.
Last year, Devers ended a -9 defensive run and a -2.6 war with defense, but Bregman saved six defensive runs and played an 8.1 defensive war.
What could complicate even more complex issues for Boston is the fact that Christian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer are on the way, and they could soon need a spot on the infield.
Devers entered the second season of a 10-year, $313.5 million contract signed before 2024, and said on Monday his defensive future was discussed at the time.
“When I signed it, it was definitely discussed [would] I'll play positions for a long time,” Devers said of his third spot. “I don't know what caused the change, but I know I'm working so hard in my defense.”
Even in this past offseason, Cola and Breslow showed Divavar staying in third place, but that was before they swooped to Bregman last week to sign.
And Devers added that he was caught off guard by a conversation about the possibility of switching locations with Bregman.
“I was definitely surprised,” Devers said. “I'm someone who believes what people say and keeps it in mind. It's very amazing that they propose it.”
Asked if he was “disappointed,” they came to him with a suggestion, Devers said. I don't think that's the right way to do business. ”
And he insisted that it would not move.
“That's my decision,” Devers said. “My position is 3 base. Anything they want to do is what they want to do. But my position is 3 base.”
