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 potential positional drama that has fans and analysts buzzing. The question on everyone’s mind: How will the arrival of Alex Bregman affect Rafael Devers and his hold on third base?
Devers, a cornerstone of the Red Sox lineup, made it clear on Monday that he has no intention of vacating his spot at third base. In response to questions about his willingness to shift positions to accommodate Bregman, Devers emphatically stated that third base is his domain. This declaration set the stage for what could have been a tense standoff between two All-Star talents.
However, Bregman, known for his Gold Glove-winning prowess at third base with the Houston Astros, took a different approach. “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’s signing with the Red Sox earlier this month came without any guarantees about his position on the field. His relationship with manager Alex Cora, who has a reputation for fostering team unity, suggests that both players will prioritize the team’s success over individual accolades. This sentiment was further reinforced when Bregman and Devers were seen dining together at Cora’s rental house on Monday night, quelling any rumors of discord between the two stars.
Cora himself weighed in on the situation, noting that he observed Bregman offering constructive feedback to Devers during a practice session earlier that day. “They were talking for 45 minutes,” Cora said, emphasizing the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two infielders.
Bregman echoed this sentiment, saying, “I think everybody here believes in their abilities. 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 the Devers-Bregman dynamic that has fans excited. The team is also looking forward to the contributions of top prospect Kristian Campbell. The 22-year-old phenom is expected to be a key part of the equation when Cora finalizes his starting lineup for Opening Day.
Campbell, who has been working out exclusively at second base, brings a versatile skill set to the team. Last season, he batted .330 with 20 home runs, 24 stolen bases, and 32 doubles in 115 games across three levels of the Red Sox farm system. “Everyone saw last year how special of a player he is,” Bregman said of Campbell, who was primarily a second baseman during his time at Georgia Tech.
Drafted 132nd overall by the Red Sox in 2023 as compensation for losing Xander Bogaerts to the Padres in free agency, Campbell was named the top hitter in the minor leagues last year. His emergence adds another layer of intrigue to the Red Sox’s infield configuration.
As the season approaches, the Red Sox find themselves with an abundance of talent and a wealth of options. The challenge for Cora will be to harness this potential and guide the team to success. With Devers, Bregman, and Campbell all in the mix, Boston fans have plenty to look forward to as the team aims to make a deep postseason run.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
