When Rafael Devers left Boston, it seemed like the end of an era. And as the dust has yet to settle, newer inside reports continue to flow. This time, it’s not just about contracts or clubhouse dynamics, but about a rookie. The name at the center of this latest twist – Kristian Campbell. And stepping in to set the record straight is none other than manager Alex Cora, whose strong response suggests the Devers-Red Sox saga may still have a few innings left to play.
While it was initially reported that Devers was not willing to take on first base, the story behind the scenes goes deeper.
Kristian Campbell, primarily a second baseman, offered to slide over to first base after Triston Casas went down with an injury. It was a seemingly innocent gesture, one meant to help the team. But Devers took it differently and reportedly wasn’t pleased with Campbell. Devers believed that Campbell was just trying to earn some brownie points here!
But now, with the skipper’s response, a new angle to the saga is spiralling. “I talked to [Kristian about playing first] and he was willing to try it… the first time I heard about that was this morning,” Cora addressed the rumors of the Devers-Campbell rift.
Alex Cora addressed the report of division between Devers and Campbell because Campbell asked to play 1st
“I talked to [Kristian about playing first] and he was willing to try it… the first time I heard about that was this morning.” pic.twitter.com/JjNHu8dTMj
— NESN (@NESN) June 18, 2025
So, contrary to earlier speculation, Campbell did not volunteer to shift to first base following Triston Casas’ injury. Instead, it was the Red Sox’s coaching staff that approached the rookie slugger about making the positional move. While it is a strategic decision for the team, Devers’ view came as unexpected and out of nowhere.
The slugger’s reaction was less about Campbell and more about what the request symbolized. A lack of consultation, a reshuffling of infield roles, and a sense of diminished status. Expected when the Red Sox initially offered permanent third base to Devers, but then placed Alex Bregman there. So, while we are not sure about this rift between Devers and Campbell, we are almost certain that the clash between Devers and the Red Sox is due to a lack of trust. Wait, the twist remains…
“Rafael Devers was reportedly willing to play first base for the Red Sox but wanted the team to commit to him as the first baseman moving forward, not move back and forth,” Red Sox insider Pete Abraham shared. Now, that’s something new! While previous reports suggested that Devers was unwilling to take on 1B, this insight shows he was more concerned about juggling between different roles.
If true, Devers had a reasonable argument here, considering how he was juggled from 3B to DH, and then asked to take first base. But with the Giants, Raffy has taken a different stand.
Rafael Devers’ change of stance with the Giants
It is most certain that the rift between Devers and the Red Sox stems from the positional change, something the Giants are well aware of. Reportedly, Devers is not yet guaranteed any particular position in the Giants, but the man is showing unreal flexibility.
“I’m here to play wherever they want me to play,” Devers said in his first presser, donning the Giants jersey.
Now, as Devers begins a new chapter with the Giants, one detail stands out. He’s reportedly open to playing first base and DH, the very positions he was reluctant to embrace in Boston. As per sources, Devers will primarily slot in at third base, but his final destination would be first base or designated hitter.
This shift in Rafael Devers’ attitude has raised eyebrows, especially among Red Sox insiders who remember how firmly he wished to stick to the hot corner. Perhaps the sense of clarity made this difference.
The Red Sox couldn’t promise him long-term control of third base, nor did they clearly outline what the future held. The Giants, by contrast, appear to have communicated a realistic but respectful plan. And Devers is buying in.
And as the drama keeps unfolding, we cannot wait for the Red Sox-Giants weekend series. The tension is real!
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