Rafael Devers has been a hitting machine since breaking into the majors with the Red Sox in 2017. The 28-year-old third baseman has averaged 27 homers and 87 RBI per season, earning three All-Star nods, two Silver Sluggers, and a massive 10-year, $313.5 million extension.
But there’s always been a glaring issue with Devers’ game: his defense.
He leads all active third basemen with a staggering 141 errors in just eight seasons. His .944 fielding percentage ranks dead last among third basemen with at least 500 games played. The advanced metrics paint an equally grim picture — Devers has cost his team 29 Outs Above Average since 2021.
Now, Boston’s signing of Alex Bregman has thrown Devers’ future at third base into question. Bregman, fresh off winning his first Gold Glove in 2024, is clearly the superior defender. The debate about who plays where has dominated Red Sox camp all spring.
Making things even more complicated is the emergence of Kristian Campbell. MLB.com’s seventh-ranked prospect tore through three minor league levels in 2024, slashing .330/.439/.558. The Red Sox clearly view him as their second baseman of the future.
So where does that leave Devers?
Despite a slow spring start for Campbell, MassLive’s Sean McAdam believes the rookie will ultimately win the second base job. That would push Bregman to third and Devers to DH.
“Devers will be healthy enough to make the Opening Day roster. The conversation about his position will be incessant until then,” wrote McAdam. “When people like (Craig) Breslow and (Alex) Cora diplomatically note that ‘these things tend to work themselves out,’ they’re basically saying that Devers will eventually play where they want him to play. If Campbell shows out and claims second base, that spot will be designated hitter.”
Devers has been sidelined with shoulder soreness but is expected to make his spring debut Wednesday as a DH. He’ll eventually get reps at third base, but with a Gold Glover now on the roster and a top prospect pushing for playing time, Devers faces an uphill battle to keep his spot at the hot corner.
