A little more than a month ago, Rafael Devers was adamant third base was still his position.
One day before Opening Day, that’s no longer the case.
The Red Sox on Wednesday decided to make Devers their designated hitter and newly signed Alex Bregman their third baseman for the season opener against the Rangers.
Devers, 28, has played 951 games at the hot corner and been a DH just 21 times since his call-up in 2017.
Manager Alex Cora opened up to WEEI on Wednesday about the move, saying it’s all about the end result.
“We had conversations throughout Spring Training, and [Devers] was very vocal about how he felt,” Cora said. “We made a decision. Alex is going to play third, and [Devers] is going to DH. We all are in the winning business, and [Devers] understands that.”
Devers, shortly after the Bregman signing in mid-February, was steadfast in his belief that he should remain at the position he’s called home for most of his big league career.
“Third base is my position,’’ Devers said through an interpreter at Red Sox camp. “That’s what I’ve played. I don’t know what their plans are. I know we had a conversation. I made it clear what my desires were, and yeah, whatever happens from here, I don’t know.”
Devers ranked in the eighth percentile in outs above average, while Bregman graded in the 91st in the same category last season on MLB’s Statcast.
As the weeks moved along, though, Devers appeared to soften his stance and was more amenable to Bregman getting reps at third base.
“We spoke already, and I’m good to do whatever they want me to do,” Devers told reporters earlier in March. “I’m here to help. I’ve already spoken with them about that, and they know where I stand. I’m just ready to play.”
With a big lineup question mark settled, the Red Sox can set their sights on the prize.
With moves like Bregman and the trade for ace Garrett Crochet, Boston is firmly in the mix in the AL East.
According to FanGraphs, the Red Sox are projected to win 84.5 games, while the Yankees are pegged at 85.9 wins.
