The Boston Red Sox could soon look much different as superstar third baseman Rafael Devers is reportedly considering asking for a trade.
Red Sox insider Sean McAdam of MassLive reported on March 14 that Devers is considering asking for a trade from Boston. McAdam reports that Devers has grown frustrated with all the talk of him moving off third base and the position change.
“According to sources, Devers was angry enough about the situation to consider asking for a trade. And it’s possible that, as part of his “private conversations” with Craig Breslow and Co. that he indeed relayed that,” McAdam wrote. “Devers is savvy enough to know the Red Sox are not about to disclose any such request, since, if it ever came to a point where a trade was seriously considered, the Sox would lose leverage if Devers was rather publicly shooting his way out of town.”
The Red Sox have talked about Alex Bregman starting at third base, which would push Devers to DH. Although publicly Devers has said he’s fine being a DH, McAdam reports behind closed doors, that isn’t the case.
“At the end of the day, Devers had little real leverage. True, he didn’t want to go from third to DH. But what were his options? To go home and forfeit the remaining money owed him? That, of course, was never going to happen,” McAdam added. “So he gets to play it halfway. Behind closed doors. he lets the Red Sox know, in no uncertain terms, that he’s still feeling aggrieved and disrespected. Meanwhile, to the public, he is the dutiful employee, doing what he’s told to do.”
Devers is entering the second year of a 10-year $313.5 million deal with the Red Sox.
Devers Claimed he Was Fine Being DH
The biggest talking point throughout spring training for the Red Sox is what position Devers would play in 2025.
Devers began spring training saying he’s a third baseman, but he did walk back those comments. The superstar said he would be a DH if that is what is best for the team and it helps them win.
“We spoke already, and I’m good to do whatever they want me to do,” Devers said. “I’m here to help. I’ve already spoken with them about that and they know where I stand, but I’m just ready to play.”
Devers will be the DH in a spring training game on March 15, which could be the position he plays in the 2025 season.
“Yeah, that’s the plan,” said Devers. “We’ll see how I feel tomorrow. But yeah, that’s the plan.”
Devers hit .272 with 28 home runs and 83 RBIs with the Red Sox last season.
Devers Met With Red Sox Brass
After the rumors of Devers moving off of third base to DH, the slugger met with manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow to discuss his role.
However, Devers wouldn’t clarify what the meeting was about.
“I’m not going to share what we talked about here just because it would make me come off … those are private conversations,” Devers said. “So I told them everything of my point of view, how I see things, and they know that.”
Devers is a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
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