Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman: A Third Base Tango in Boston
Feb 19, 2025, 10:05 AM ET
In the world of Major League Baseball, the hot corner is not just a position on the field; it’s a place where legends are made and rivalries are born. Recently, the Boston Red Sox have found themselves at the center of a hot-topic discussion involving their own third baseman, Rafael Devers, and their new acquisition, Alex Bregman. The question on everyone’s mind: Who will man third base for the Red Sox?
Devers, known for his powerful bat and solid defense, made it clear on Monday that he sees third base as his territory. When asked if he would be comfortable playing elsewhere to accommodate Bregman, Devers emphatically stated that third base is his position. This declaration set the stage for what could have been a tense situation, but Bregman, ever the team player, had a different take.
“I’m super excited to just be [Devers’] teammate,” Bregman told reporters on Tuesday. “He’s a great player. I think everybody in this clubhouse is worried about winning, and whatever it takes to help the team win — that’s all I’m focused on. I’ll play wherever [manager Alex Cora] tells me to play.”
Bregman, who has a Gold Glove to his name from his time with the Houston Astros, joined the Red Sox earlier this month. Interestingly, he signed without any assurances about his position on the field. His relationship with manager Alex Cora, a former Astros bench coach, seems to have played a significant role in his decision. Both Bregman and Cora are committed to putting the team’s success above individual roles.
To further dispel any rumors of a rift, Bregman and Devers were seen enjoying dinner together at Cora’s rental house on Monday night. Reports of simmering drama between the two All-Stars were quickly put to rest as they shared a meal and conversation.
Cora himself added to the narrative of harmony, noting that he observed Bregman offering constructive feedback to Devers during glove work on the practice field earlier that day. The two infielders reportedly spent 45 minutes in conversation during the dinner, further solidifying their camaraderie.
“I think everybody here believes in their abilities,” Bregman said. “I think all of us believe that if we all put together a good effort this season, we have a really good chance of being a winning baseball team. I can only talk for myself but I’ll play wherever helps the team win.”
As the Red Sox prepare for the upcoming season, it’s not just Devers and Bregman who are in the spotlight. Top prospect Kristian Campbell is also making waves. The 22-year-old is working out exclusively at second base, despite having experience in the outfield. Last season, Campbell batted .330 with 20 home runs, 24 stolen bases, and 32 doubles in 115 games across three levels of the Red Sox farm system.
Bregman had high praise for Campbell, saying, “[Everyone] saw last year how special of a player he is.” Campbell, who was primarily a second baseman during his freshman year at Georgia Tech, was drafted 132nd overall by the Red Sox in 2023. This selection was part of the compensation for losing Xander Bogaerts to the Padres in free agency. Last year, Campbell was named the top hitter in the minor leagues, adding to the excitement surrounding his potential impact on the team.
As the Red Sox look to the future, the combination of seasoned veterans like Devers and Bregman, along with promising young talent like Campbell, sets the stage for an intriguing season. The question of who will play third base may linger, but one thing is certain: the Red Sox are focused on winning, and they have the talent to make it happen.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
