Rafael Devers’ position switch from third base to DH has been one of the offseason’s top subplots, as it dovetailed with Boston signing Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120MM contract to become the club’s new everyday third baseman. Red Sox manager Alex Cora added another wrinkle to the situation when speaking with reporters (including The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey) yesterday, noting that Devers isn’t in the third base plans at all, as Romy Gonzalez will step in at the hot corner when Bregman needs a day off.
“Raffy is going to DH,” Cora said. “We had a conversation, we talked about it. He’s DHing. He’s the DH of the Boston Red Sox. One thing is we don’t want him to overthink it. Don’t get caught up in the whole thing. He’ll be OK.”
It isn’t known how the Sox might adjust if Bregman were to miss an extended amount of time on the injured list, yet Cora’s statement pretty plainly underscores Boston’s commitment to keeping Devers in a batter-only capacity for the time being. McCaffrey writes that Devers is still taking grounders at third base as part of pregame warmups, possibly as a way of maintaining some part of his past pregame routine while adjusting overall to his new reality as a designated hitter.
The early results haven’t been great, as Devers is 0-for-8 with seven strikeouts in his first eight trips to the plate in 2025. Naturally, two games is a minuscule sample size, and some rust was probably expected given how Devers only appeared in five Spring Training games. Devers spent a good chunk of the offseason dealing with inflammation in both shoulders, and thus the Red Sox lessened his workload in camp as Devers worked his way back to full health. The shoulder issue’s impact on Devers’ also surely factored into the team’s decision to keep Devers in a DH capacity.
While plans may change as the season develops, it would certainly seem like the Sox are trying to ease Devers into a full-time DH role over the long-term. Bregman can opt out of his contract after the season, and while Devers could potentially be moved back over to third base after a year off, it would seem more likely that the Red Sox would use Bregman’s departure as a way to get star prospect Marcelo Mayer into the lineup.
Mayer made his Triple-A debut in Worcester’s game with the Syracuse Mets yesterday, and it is widely expected that the infielder will be making his MLB debut at some point in 2025. If Mayer had had his way, he would’ve skipped Triple-A entirely and already be part of the Sox roster after posting huge numbers in Spring Training.
“Based on performance, I feel like I did earn a spot on that team,” Mayer said in an interview on WEEI’s Jones & Keefe show. “With that being said, things didn’t go my way and now I’m here [in Triple-A] and I’m just going to get after it every single day, and keep doing what I’m doing.”
The comments caused a bit of a stir on social media, yet Cora told MassLive.com’s Christopher Smith and other reporters that he “100 percent” wants to see his players share Mayer’s confident attitude. Obviously Mayer’s production will dictate how quickly he might join the Show, yet given the crowded nature of Boston’s current roster, it will be interesting to see how the Red Sox will carve out playing time for the fourth overall pick. Since the Sox don’t want to call Mayer up just to have him ride the bench, perhaps some kind of injury might need to arise before a Mayer promotion is really on the radar.
Michael Fulmer is also in Worcester, and will be working as a starting pitcher during his time in the minors, Red Sox senior director of player development Brian Abraham told Smith. There is some flexibility at play since Abraham said “as of right now” Fulmer will start, but the Sox seem interested in stretching Fulmer out to see what he can do in a potential return to a starting role.
Beginning his career as a starter with the Tigers, Fulmer enjoyed some instant success in capturing AL Rookie of the Year honors in 2016. Injuries (including a Tommy John surgery that cost him all of 2019) necessitated a move to the bullpen in 2021, and Fulmer seemed to thrive in that role while pitching with the Tigers, Twins, and Cubs over the 2021-23 seasons. Unfortunately, Fulmer continued to battle health problems, and he underwent a UCL revision in October 2023 that cost him another full season, as he didn’t pitch at all in 2024.
The Red Sox inked Fulmer to a two-year minor league contract in February 2024, with the understanding that he’d take the first year to rehab and then prep for a return this season. Fulmer told Smith that he and Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow even discussed a possible return to starting pitching when the contract was first signed, and Fulmer is open to working in any capacity.
“If it sticks, it sticks. If it doesn’t, then I go back to the bullpen,” Fulmer said. “I did the transition once and it was a fairly easy transition. I’ve enjoyed both [roles].”
Weekly Fulmer promotional piece.
I don’t understand why everyone thinks it’s easy to DH. He may not be able to… it’s not easy to sit all game and just hit.
He should be consulting with Ortiz on that. If anyone can get him comfortable with DHing, it Big Papi.
Joe – Devers said he plans to speak with both Papi and JDM at some point.
I think the fact he hasn’t yet is another sign he hasn’t embraced his new role yet.
FPG, Devers speaking to Papi was asked at a presser and Cora’s response was that he was the manager and would deal with it, he didn’t need Papi to do his job for him.
I guess in decade of experience as utility bench player out weighs Papa’s 2o years of experience as an actual DH.
DBH – Yep I remembered that, excellent point.
I’m trying not to think about Cora, don’t want to ruin my weekend ;o)
My guess is he actually has talked to Papi just not in the last few days. Let’s stop trying to overthink things. If and when Yoshida come back or if others get banged up, Devers can still play third in a pinch. It’s just in my view easier all around to say no for now and ask Devers to focus on batting and getting into a different routine between at bats.
Dewey – I said this days ago, Devers won’t play 3B even for a Bregman day off. Just like Story not playing any SS when Xander was here. Just like Yoshida playing only one inning in LF last year.
BTW – Rafaela benched today, Campbell in LF, Hamilton at 2B.
Fever, despite the contract Rafaela could get sent down when Yoshida returns. That said, I recognize it’s early and there’s no reason to panic. I haven’t seen the lineup but I thought Refsnyder would be in left.
If Devers falls flat this season because he decides to check out of games and Boston falls short of the playoffs, Cora will be on the hook for that decision. It’s clear Devers wants to be in the game at 3B, he is the team captain, to move him off his position takes away his clubhouse leadership, really can’t go back on it either, even if he gets some starts at 3B, his position as captain has been diluted.
Miller – One would think if they miss the postseason again that would be it for Cora as manager. But Henry’s affection for Cora is a huge factor.
So far the team looks flat. During pregame practice I still saw guys wearing 7 Yoshida shirts, they support him which is fantastic. Also during light tossing Houck is wearing JESUS in huge letters. He’s got to be unhappy with the lack of morals and ethics from Sox management.
Im not religious. I like Yoshida, he is a good hitter. Buehler laid an egg yesterday, a little disappointing. I picked Boston to win the East, the Devers situation has me second guessing the pick.
I still think the Yankees are going to fall flat, and had Baltimore fourth because of their awful rotation. Going to be a good race.
Fpg ..i think yer reading to much into it..it doesnt matter if he speaks to papi, jdm or god…and they can only do so much To steal from the great ted williams quote once hes at the plate its on devers
Pool – Ted is right, after a player is taught it’s up to the player to execute.
Why wouldn’t he accept the advice? How could it not help?
Poolhall it’s not so much when he’s in the box, it’s about staying mentally focused etc. while he’s sitting in the dugout. Many players have talked about how hard it is to just sit and then get into the batter’s box.
It’s an adjustment that takes time with some. Yaz seemed to handle it and some learned to embrace it. Does anyone really think Devers would not have signed that deal had Blood not made the alleged promise? I realize Bloom is now in another organization but I’d love to hear his thoughts.
Lol. Blood? Bloom.
Dewey – I knew what you meant my friend.
Comments from Arlington:
1) Red Sox need cheerleaders like Rangers!!
2) Luke Jackson’s intro song is awesome!
3) Rangers have the best stadium in MLB not counting Fenway/Wrigley.
Fpg – Thats a good question only Devers can answer. Me personlly ive received advice some helps some does not..better question is who has jdm or papi helped with specific advice on how to transition from position player to dh? I cant think of anyone of note off the top of my head can you? ..i understand why people assime since those two did it they must be great at teaching how..wonder who taught them?..my point is all the advice in the world wont matter unless it resonates
Pool – It’s so rare for a player to go directly to DH full-time while still in their 20’s after being near the top of MLB in innings at 3B for 6 straight years. I honestly don’t think it’s ever happened with a non-1B infielder.
To answer your question, I don’t know. I’d have to research which i can’t do now. Perhaps Ortiz gave advice to JDM?
“Able to..sit all game”…It’s all about desire, pride and being a good teammate and employee. Raffy has an admirable track record of elite hitting and is still young.
If Raffy gets over the mental block of losing his 3b job and concentrates on his responsibilities to teammates and the team, he will certainly be “able to” to perform at his normal level.
After all, hitting is what Raffy does best and it’s not like the Rsox asked him to lay tile, run for office or deliver newspapers.
It’s all about desire. When’s the tae-bo series coming out @mlbfan? Can’t wait for your grandiose pontifications on video. Instant best-seller.
@mlb fan strikes me more as late aged Richard Simmons with his pendantry. “No! No! No! That’s NOT the way to do a groin stretch!”
So, really you have no counterpoint so you just try to demean and insult people? That is so liberal of you.
Hey! That’s what you do all day, every day here. Just taking part in some of your “fun”.
@MLB Fanatic…I have never insulted anyone here who didn’t insult me first. I didn’t insult you or anyone here until you insulted me. I was merely stating an opinion.
You’re not the only one with free speech, lefty, despite what you seem to think, arrogant.
That pedestal high enough? Don’t catch a nosebleed.
People like you are too soft for the internet. It’s the year 2025 quit crying
People like you are too soft for the internet. It’s the year 2025 quit crying
It needed to be repeated @mlb fan
@MLB Famatic…”Richard Simmons..groin stretch”…Keep your Taco Bell, day job, Fanatic. Clearly, you have no future in comedy.
@mlbfan: Your words – “I have never insulted anyone here who didn’t insult me first”.
Proof positive that you are completely full of it, as you did that to me only a day or two ago. You are a typical keyboard warrior that apparently lives only to spout your garbage on message boards. Go away, little boy.
MLB Fan, some are just losers in life so they can hide online. in still trying to figure out why anyone would choose a handle so similar to another unless it was on purpose …
Devers doesn’t have the luxury of facing Cole several times this season.
Sox AAA team is Worcester Red Sox not Syracuse
It was never Syracuse, though.
New – I also think “2026 debut” for Mayer was another error. Nobody is expecting him to stay in the minors all year.
It said something like “made his AAA in debut in Pawtucket with the Syracuse Mets” which was actually even more confusing. Anyway, it’s been fixed
Ummm… Boston’s Triple-A affiliate hasn’t played in Pawtucket since 2020. It’s the Worcester Red Sox now.
I believe you can write this following statement in stone…
Alex Bregman opts out of his deal this off-season and Marcelo Mayer steps into the role at third base.
Of course he will flourish just as they planned when signing Alex Bregman to the huge money deal and 1 year opt out.
Gary – Yes!! Bregman wants the 7-year magadeal and one year in Fenway with BFF Cora will help.
Bregman is making 40m a year. He isn’t opting out of his deal unless he wins the MVP this year!!
With deferrals, @baseballhistory. That MLB values the contract around $32M a year for luxury tax purposes means Bregman most definitely does too. Unless you’re keen on misinformation, you should too. And that will certainly affect where he places the bar for opting out.
Who is paying for seven years after this one? The reality is if he has an MVP caliber year and opts out, it’s likely to re-do his deal in Boston, Such probably was already informally discussed when this deal was done. Much of his stats will be built on the park and other teams will in my view believe he’s worth more to Cora and the Sox than he is to most other teams. Back to Houston is another and maybe to the Yankees but even then on another short-term deal. Fortunately, Boston with their young infield depth has options.
Inept reporting on AAA location. Fire the writer….
@Nobaseball20
First let’s tar and feather him.
It’s not required for trade rumors writers to any kind of fact checking or proofreading of any kind. Been like this for years
Fact checking is totally on the writer but I’ve tried AI professionally as my company is investing big $$ into it yet I find it too makes mistakes (in NY, there is a famous case where an attorney used it and quoted B.S. case law and was sanctioned). My point is depending how you tried to fact check, mistakes are still possible. I don’t send a letter without checking the spelling and grammar yet there are times I override MS Office. I’d rather have articles written by humans and sometimes my gripe is the article is too long and seems to have been AI generated.
I Did an AI fact check today because Lauren Betts was in the news after her excellent UCLA women’s basketball game. Knowing nothing about her, I asked SIRI if she was Mookie Betts’ daughter?
The answer came back as, yes UCLA Lauren Betts is the daughter of the Dodgers Mookie Betts.
Took a screenshot for anyone who comes to me with anything from AI as 100% gospel truth.
Lol.
0-8 with 7 ks god DAYUM
he didnt fix his banged up shoulders over the offseason, started ST late, 3B/DH drama… c’mon devers get your act together!
Bing – Devers reported to Ft Myers in mid-January … a month earlier than required. Get it together man! ;o)
He (Devers) is either still hurting or hurting psychologically over the DH role. He looked bad in those first two games. Like, Bob Burda bad.
He is clearly rusty, and through two games it is manifesting in him swinging out of his shoes. WAY too many all out home run swings right now, which isn’t new for Devers when he doesn’t have his feel at the plate (which isn’t surprising given his minimal ST time). We’ll see how he does once he looks more controlled at the plate.
@long
he needs more time to find his rhythm but nonetheless the persistent shoulder issues are a concern. he had 6 months to get healthy . he has an entire decade left on his contract, way too soon to be this banged up
Very fair. But most folks don’t watch every at bat for every player, and as someone who has had that luxury for Devers thus far I thought I would share the most obvious issue for him right now – which is that he’s swinging out of his shoes. Yes, he likes to swing hard, but right now every cut looks like a 3-0 all or nothing, which naturally is not ideal for making consistent contact. It also is something we’ve seen from Devers when he’s slumping before.
So my advice is to wait until he’s found a better feel at that plate than that, then assess the rest, including what you bring up. Until then, that flawed approach at the plate is too obviously overriding of anything else good or bad to allow for good assessment.
Agreed. Devers only had 14 ABs in spring training.
Allin – Agreed. Devers probably should have started the season on the IL.
0-16 4 game span
12 k
F f s
Useless power hitter
And yes it’s all in his head
@67
First time in baseball history
What if he’s doing it on purpose? To spite the sox?
I’m a huge Devers fan. I don’t think it’s on purpose, but I think it absolutely is indifference.
When he walks up to the plate the body language is bad. He’s clearly just swinging at anything that is close to the zone without being selective. It’s more like “let me get this over with” than it is “screw those guys”.IMO
@sad
That attitude is basically what im referring to. He’s not trying bc he doesnt care. He doesnt care bc sox treated bregman more favorably than him. Imagine parents have 2 kids & they allowed 1 to do what they want & refused the other. That other kid will not give a f about anything now. Thats devers. The spiteful scorned child who isnt getting enough attention
Did the Red Sox know Devers was a terrible fielder before or after the contract? Brilliant financial operation up there in Beantown. Let’s see how this works out in 2026 if there’s no postseason baseball.
They knew perfectly well. Everyone expected that a switch would be happening at some point; this is just sooner than anticipated. You should also be aware that the front office has changed since he was signed (and, apparently, promised that he could stay at 3B), so the current one is neither beholden to keep him there nor is his deal their responsibility.
Did the owner change in that timeframe, or did I miss that part? Pray tell.
Did MLB change when I wasn’t looking, and ownership now lays the plans for how players are used?
A great owner trusts a great GM. Finding that guy is another issue so when they screw up, they get fired.
But the best owners are hands off. Every sports fan knows that I thought?
Has anyone thought..?? What if Bregman doesn’t opt out?? $80 mil is tough to walk away from… and at last look… Father Time remains undefeated….
Figure it out as you go along… that’s what we have been doing and what you kind of have to do. You never know what’s going to happen
He’s only 30 years old. Most guys play till their mid 30s if they’re any good don’t they?
This is a gap deal. That’s why the big money. He’ll opt out looking for four years or another three at least.
It’s the biggest no-brainer in the history of the world.
As one guy said, maybe it’s with Boston again, but he’s definitely opting out of this very short three year deal that only goes until he’s 33 years of age.
For what he’s getting paid, he should be happy to mop the floors
Boston media will be pushing this issue all season. People wonder why legacy media is dying.
Devers is swinging out of his shorts right he’s getting long and he’s getting beat by fastballs. He is swinging like he’s angry and wants to take it out on the ball it’s as simple as that imo. Once he settles down and starts using his opposite field swing he will be fine. He has always swung hard but he’s swinging extra hard now not only is this causing him to be late on fastballs but I don’t think his shoulders are going to hold up not to mention his core. He will settle down.
“ right now”
Devers needs to reach out to David Ortiz the moment they get back to Boston because he looks lost at the plate right now
Devers has already spent time with Ortiz in Fort Myers, that doesn’t mean it can instantly turn him into a premier everyday DH. The guy doesn’t want to do it, and the organization fumbled this from day one. Should’ve had this conversation on Oct 2nd.
I’m trying hard not to overreact, it’s two games after all. But the looking bad at the plate is a combination rust and indifference. His approach looks like, ‘I’ll just swing at the first three pitches and hopefully I hit one’.
Everyone on these posts was killing Devers because he’s “so bad”. Some even gave examples of the five or six games over the years where his errors cost the Sox games.
Well, over the last five years Devers has lead the league in total bases, extra base hits and doubles. Hiw many games did he win for the Sox?
We will all rue the day if we get a whole season of plate appearances from our best player like we’ve gotten the last two days. I hope it doesn’t go that way. I hope Devers has enough pride to get back into it. But, 7 k’s in 8 at-bats and looking indifferent about it doesn’t exactly serve as a cause for optimism.
Where’s your evidence that he’s indifferent about it?
Have you watched the first three games?
One thing no one seems to have considered here in all of this is the type of hitter Devers has been his whole career. He’s never been what anyone would call clutch. If he’s coming to the plate with runners on and the Sox needing a run or two you can almost count on the K with him swinging out of his shoes trying to hit the ball 600 feet.
Now being relegated to DH and only hitting doesn’t really play into his strengths. He’s best at the plate when he’s not thinking about the situation and just reacting naturally to the pitches he sees. Hopefully I’m wrong here and he can settle in OK as DH but I have some serious concerns given his track record to this point.
Devers carried the team for months last year. Over the course of his career he’s been very clutch
They gave money to the wrong player; should have kept Betts instead. This Devers guy has low IQ and low makeup; and is already showing signs of being a bad fit. This’ll be a Jimmy Butler situation here soon. Just 8 more years of this mess.
They tried keeping Betts. He kept saying no.
My fantasy shares are going to puke next year
Boston’s front office may already be positioning themselves to trade Devers in 2025 or 2026. The move to DH isn’t just about health—it’s step one in a potential Devers exit plan.
Hey York, I actually hope that is the case now. They set him up to fail and it was uncalled for.
Yes, I’m a big Devers fan, and the day he’s gone he’ll Cease to exist to me and I’ll root for the next guy wearing the uniform, but this situation was unfair, and other players (and free agents) will take notice also
Sad – It’s total mismanagement and disrespect as usual by Sox management. They need a complete culture overhaul, but that won’t happen as long as Henry/Cora/Kennedy are running the show.
The drama show in Boston is way more entertaining than the brand of baseball they play.
I am really hoping for a clubhouse brawl or for Cora to get caught cheating again next!