Red Sox Outfield Dilemma Grows Amid Devers’ Reluctance to Move Positions

BOSTON, MA — The Boston Red Sox are facing a critical roster decision as they navigate outfield and first-base challenges. The team’s number-one prospect, 20-year-old Roman Anthony, could soon be promoted, but his arrival complicates the situation for players like center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela.

Rafaela, who is 24, might lose his starting role despite showing impressive defensive skills. His hitting, however, has not met expectations after more than 200 major league games. Jon Vankin of Newsweek raised the possibility of trading Rafaela to the Los Angeles Dodgers for veteran Max Muncy, who has experience at first base. Muncy’s potential addition comes as the Red Sox deal with the loss of Triston Casas, who is out for the season due to injury.

“Dodgers 34-year-old third baseman Max Muncy has played 297 major league games at first,” Vankin noted. “The switch across the diamond should be a natural one for him.” Muncy still has a $14.5 million contract remaining, which complicates his potential acquisition.

Rafaela could offer trade value to the Dodgers as they recover from injuries affecting their outfield depth. However, Vankin acknowledged that a straightforward trade of Muncy for Rafaela could be hard for either team to accept.

Meanwhile, Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers faces a position change dilemma after initially moving to designated hitter this season. With the team needing a first baseman, Devers expressed his reluctance to switch positions again.

“I don’t think it’s the best decision after they asked me to play a different position,” Devers said through translator Daveson Perez. The team’s chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, had proposed the move, but Devers urged the front office to find another player for first base.

“I think they should do their job and hit the market,” he added, expressing frustration over the perceived shift in promises regarding his position. With the situation evolving, the Red Sox are at a pivotal moment, balancing team needs and player preferences.