The Red Sox face a major lineup decision with Opening Day just three weeks away — who starts at third base: Alex Bregman or Rafael Devers?
Boston’s aggressive offseason moves have created this high-class problem. They traded for All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet and signed Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal, suddenly creating a logjam at the hot corner where Devers has been entrenched.
Devers is entering year three of his massive 10-year, $313 million contract and has made it clear he considers himself a third baseman. But the addition of Bregman, who won a Gold Glove at the position last season, has complicated matters.
Manager Alex Cora addressed the situation on MLB Network, acknowledging the delicate balance he’s trying to strike.
“I think there’s a lot of decisions that we have to make around (third base), right,” Cora said. “Raffy was loud and clear. He’s a third baseman and I understand that. I’ve been with that kid since November 2017. He’s a proud individual but one thing about Raffy is that he wants to win. I think that first game in Texas we will do whatever is good for the Boston Red Sox and they are all on board. There’s a lot of conversations and we’ll see what happens.”
The decision ultimately comes down to defense. While Devers is an offensive powerhouse, his glove work has been questionable throughout his career. He’s led the American League in errors at third base for seven consecutive seasons, though he did post a career-low 12 errors last year.
Bregman, meanwhile, brings elite defense to the position. His Gold Glove credentials give Boston a significant defensive upgrade option.
Both players will likely see time at third throughout the season, but Cora must decide who gets the majority of starts there. The other could slide to DH or potentially even first base in certain situations. What’s clear is that Boston’s lineup is substantially more dangerous with both bats in it — they just need to figure out where everyone fits.
With the season opener in Texas rapidly approaching, this positional puzzle needs solving soon.
