Rafael Devers Stands Firm: No More Position Changes for the Red Sox Star
May 8, 2025, 08:02 PM ET
BOSTON — Rafael Devers is making it clear: he is the Boston Red Sox‘s designated hitter, and that’s where he intends to stay. In a candid conversation with reporters, Devers expressed his reluctance to switch positions again, following the unfortunate news that Triston Casas is out for the season due to a ruptured left knee tendon.
Devers, a three-time All-Star, was approached by Red Sox management with the idea of stepping in as Boston’s first baseman. However, he is not keen on the idea, especially after being asked to move from third base to DH during spring training when the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to play third.
“They came to me and talked to me about it,” Devers said after homering and driving in two in Boston’s 5-0 win over Texas. “I know I’m a ballplayer, but at the same time, they can’t expect me to play every single position out there. In spring training, they talked to me and basically told me to put away my glove. I wasn’t going to play another position other than DH. Right now, I don’t think it would be an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position.”
Devers had a conversation with Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow about the possibility of playing first base in Casas’ absence. For now, Boston is managing the first base position with a platoon featuring Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro.
“He [Breslow] played ball. I would like to think that he knows that changing positions isn’t easy,” Devers said through Red Sox interpreter Daveson Perez. “They put me in this situation. They told me they didn’t want me to play any other positions.”
Devers didn’t just voice his concerns; he also offered a suggestion to Breslow, who pitched 12 major league seasons and was a key member of Boston’s bullpen when the team won the World Series in 2013. Breslow is in his second season leading the Red Sox’s baseball operations department.
“Now, they should do their jobs essentially and hit the market and look for another player. I’m not sure why they want me to be an in-between,” Devers said. “Next thing you know, someone in the outfield gets hurt and they want me to play in the outfield. I know the kind of player that I am, and that’s where I stand.”
When asked if he might reconsider if the Red Sox struggle to get production from their current first basemen, Devers was firm in his stance as a full-time DH. He also expressed his frustration that Boston would consider having him take over a position where he has logged zero innings as a big leaguer.
“They told me that I’m a little hard-headed, but they already asked me to change [positions] once. This time, I don’t think I can be as flexible,” Devers said. “I don’t feel they stayed true to their word. They told me I was going to play this position, DH. Now they’re going back on that.”
- Devers is committed to his role as DH.
- Red Sox management is exploring options for first base.
- Devers suggests the team look for external solutions.
In the world of baseball, where versatility is often celebrated, Devers’ stance is a reminder of the importance of consistency and specialization. As the Red Sox navigate this challenging situation, all eyes will be on how they address the first base conundrum without compromising their star player’s comfort and performance.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
