Red Sox Grapple with Devers, Bregman Positions Amid Trade Speculation

FORT MYERS, Fla. — As spring training begins, the Boston Red Sox find themselves in a position battle that could redefine the team’s infield for the 2025 season. With Rafael Devers insisting that third base is his territory and Alex Bregman added to the roster, questions loom regarding their potential roles and the impact of player injuries.

Devers, who has been the focal point of the Red Sox offense, believes he deserves to stay at third base, especially with Trevor Story anchored at shortstop and Triston Casas at first. However, Bregman’s arrival brings uncertainty, as both players have made it clear they want to assert their positions. This complex situation raises the stakes for Red Sox manager Alex Cora.

“We are looking for versatility on the field, but it is a tough conversation to navigate with these players,” Cora said. “Each player has their pride, and we’re going to have to find the right balance to ensure the team performs at its best.”

In the case someone like Devers were to reject a move, the ramifications could be significant. One fan posed a question in a recent mailbag, asking whether Bregman or Devers could refuse a change in their assigned positions, possibly leading to contractual or disciplinary consequences. “Hypothetically, if a player like Devers were to dismiss a shift to designated hitter, it could lead to contract negotiations or even suspension,” offered sports analyst Jon Green.

Injuries to key players might make the discussion more pressing. With Devers potentially out for 20 games due to past injuries, Cora and the management team would need to determine who else can fill in at third base. Options include Campbell and possibly bumping Bregman over if necessary. The question remains: how do you manage the egos involved in this dilemma?

“Injuries before opening day will likely keep Devers at third unless he is the one who gets hurt,” joked one fan. This statement suggests the unpredictable nature of such scenarios.

Cora also has his eye on Yoshida, who has expressed readiness to contribute both as a designated hitter and outfielder. The versatility among players would typically work as an asset, yet it is becoming clear that too much flexibility can lead to conflict, especially among players who each want to prove their worth.

The potential move of Bregman to second base only adds to the complexity of the roster. With Story’s history of injuries and a mediocre performance in 2023, the Red Sox could find themselves scrambling to fill shortstop duties for the 2025 season. If the players’ health holds up, there exists an opportunity for a clearer lineup, but that remains uncertain.

“If everyone stays healthy and does what they’re projected to do, it could be an incredibly successful season for Boston,” noted a fan. “But with the current situation, it feels like we’re just waiting for an accident to happen.”

As fans gear up for another season, many are wishing for stable lineups. A slip-up with respect to assignments could quickly escalate into a larger issue, not just for the players involved, but for the team as a whole.