More than a month ago, Rafael Devers was still in his position with 3 base.
One day before the opening day, that's no longer the case.
On Wednesday, the Red Sox decided to make Devers the designated batsman and sign newly signed Alex Bregman in the third baseman for the season opener against the Rangers.
The 28-year-old Devers has played 951 games for The Hot Corner, and has only been DH 21 times since the 2017 call-up.
Manager Alex Cora opened to WEEI on Wednesday about the move, saying the final result is everything.
“We had a conversation throughout the spring training. [Devers] He was very vocal about how he felt,” Kora said. “We've made a decision. Alex is going to play third. [Devers] I'm going to DH. We're all in the winning business [Devers] I understand that. ”
Shortly after Bregman signed in mid-February, Devers was stubborn in his belief that he should remain in a position called home for most of his major league career.
“3 base is my position.” Devers said through an interpreter at Red Sox Camp.. “That's what I played. I don't know what their plans are. We know we had a conversation. We made it clear what my desires were.
Devers ranked in the eighth percentile with above average outs, while Bregman scored 91st in the same category on MLB's Statcast last season.
But as the weeks went by, Devers seemed to soften his stance, and he was pleased with Bregman getting a rep at 3 base.
“We've already spoken, and it's good that they do whatever they want to do with me,” Devers told reporters in early March. “I'm here to help. I've already talked about it with them and they know where I'm standing. I'm just ready to play.”
Once the question marks of the big lineup have settled down, the Red Sox can aim for the award.
Moves like the trade of Bregman and Ace Garrett Crochet have made Boston firmly present in the mix of Al-East.
According to Fangraphs, Red Sox is expected to win 84.5 games, with Yankees remaining with 85.9 wins.
