BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox are facing a dilemma at third base, with Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman both vying for the starting job.

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox are facing a dilemma at third base, with Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman both vying for the starting job.

While Devers has been the team’s primary third baseman for the past few seasons, many believe that he will ultimately surrender the job to Bregman.

 

The reason for this is simple: Bregman is the better defender. While Devers has struggled with his defense at times, Bregman is widely regarded as one of the best defensive third basemen in the game.

 

“Bregman is a Gold Glove-caliber defender,” said one American League scout. “He’s got the range, the arm, and the instincts to play the position at an elite level. Devers, on the other hand, is a bit of a liability defensively.”

 

Despite his defensive struggles, Devers has been a key contributor to the Red Sox offense. He’s a power-hitting third baseman who has hit 30 or more home runs in each of the past two seasons.

 

However, with Bregman on board, the Red Sox may be willing to sacrifice some of Devers’ offense in order to improve their defense. Bregman is a more well-rounded player who can provide Gold Glove-caliber defense while also hitting for power and average.

 

“Devers is a great hitter, but Bregman is a more complete player,” said another AL scout. “He’s a guy who can do it all – hit, field, run. He’s a true five-tool player.”

 

While Devers has been the Red Sox’s primary third baseman for the past few seasons, it’s clear that Bregman is the better player. And with the Red Sox looking to improve their defense, it’s likely that Devers will ultimately surrender the third base job to Bregman.

 

“He’ll say yes,” said one source close to the team. “Devers is a team player, and he’ll do what’s best for the team. If that means moving to a different position or taking a backseat to Bregman, he’ll do it.”

 

The Red Sox have a number of options for Devers, including moving him to first base or using him as a designated hitter. While Devers has never played first base professionally, he’s a natural hitter who could thrive in the role.

 

“Devers is a great hitter, and he could play first base or DH,” said one NL scout. “He’s a guy who can hit for power and average, and he’s got a great approach at the plate. He’d be a great fit for either of those roles.”

 

Ultimately, the decision of what to do with Devers will come down to the Red Sox coaching staff and front office. However, with Bregman on board, it’s clear that Devers will have to adapt to a new role if he wants to remain a key contributor to the team.

 

_Devers’ Career Stats:_

 

– .284 batting average

– 83 home runs

– 311 RBIs

– 24 stolen bases

 

_Bregman’s Career Stats:_

 

– .281 batting average

– 121 home runs

– 456 RBIs

– 34 stolen bases

 

_Red Sox Infield Depth Chart:_

 

– Third base: Alex Bregman

– Second base: Christian Arroyo

– Shortstop: Xander Bogaerts

– First base: Triston Casas

 

_Red Sox Spring Training Schedule:_

 

– February 25: Red Sox vs. Northeastern University

– February 26: Red Sox vs. Boston College

– February 27: Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays

– February 28: Red Sox vs. Minnesota Twins