A storm in Boston has come ever since Rafael Devers said “No, I play third.”
Given that the Boston Red Sox made a splash for Alex Bregman, an elite third baseman, one would think that position is sorted. But Devers has reiterated twice already that he has no plans of giving up his position to make way for anyone. A rift between the team and Devers or him and Bregman might have started. Now only an insider can give the scoops on the clubhouse situation – someone like Lucas Giolito.
And if you ask him, he would just laugh at how blown away this scene is.
Lucas Giolito on the Devers situation:
“I was kind of astounded when I saw what Raffy said, and I was just kinda laughing, like I joked about it with him. And then two days later I’m like Jesus Christ it’s like a bomb went off on the internet. And I’m like damn dude, no one here… pic.twitter.com/LiSIVQlxGx
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) February 27, 2025
The veteran pitcher, who clinched a deal for two years with Boston for $38.5 million, is supposed to return to the mound in April. And he gave his two cents on the situation.
“I was, like, kind of astounded when, you know, I saw what Raffy said… and I was just kind of laughing, you know, like I joked about it with him. And then two days later, I’m like, ‘Jesus Christ.’ It’s like a bomb went off on the internet; I’m like, ‘Damn, dude, no one here cares so much about that.’”
Lucas Giolito mentioned that at the end of the day, they are employees and playing there. So if they are told to play some role, everyone ends up nodding. Seems like the situation is not as controversial as they were hyped up to be. Devers himself came out to address it.
“I really don’t know why this is becoming such a big story. We’re a team, and we communicate with each other. I think the most important thing is for us to have good chemistry together. Like I’ve always said since Day 1, the most important thing for me is that we win. That’s where I stand,” mentioned Raffy. Devers and Bregman have no bad blood. He takes advice from Bregfy on the what-not of 3B.
And as for the comment’s effect on Alex Cora, he doesn’t bother.
Alex Cora on Rafael Devers’s stern attitude on 3B
Rafael Devers sure is a three-time all-star, but his defensive skills are not his strongest suit. Compare that to Bregman, who won the Gold Glove last season for 3B. The tables are tipping on the latter for sure.
But of course, Alex Cora mentioned that they haven’t yet decided anything. And talking about Devers’ comment on the position, Cora has made it clear that he has no issues with it.
In fact, quite the opposite!
Cora praised Devers for speaking his mind. He told MLB Network Radio, “One of the things I like about the situation is we have a proud individual. A guy that we made a commitment to for a long period of time, and he’s still one of the main guys in the clubhouse. We respect that aspect.”
But at the same time, Cora also mentioned that even Devers understands the bigger picture.
The fact that Devers mentioned he sees himself as a third baseman but understands that they are in a winning business is what Cora highlighted. “That’s what we’re trying to accomplish—win as many games as possible in the regular season and in October,” said Cora.
The franchise has signed Cora for a decade-long deal in 2023 for $313.5 million. Now it remains to see what the team will decide, but most feel that if Alex Bregman is healthy, playing, and an elite baseman, Boston in no way will give up the chance to put him in the position.
Who do YOU think will end up in 3B? Care to share your thoughts?
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