Rafael Devers’ Dominance at Third Base Challenged by Red Sox’s Strategic Moves
Since his debut in Major League Baseball in 2017, Rafael Devers has established himself as a formidable offensive force at third base for the Boston Red Sox. With impressive statistics that include an average of 27 home runs and 87 RBIs per season, Devers has garnered multiple accolades such as All-Star appearances and Silver Slugger Awards. However, despite his prowess with the bat, Devers’ defensive capabilities have come under scrutiny. Leading all active third basemen with 141 errors in just eight seasons, Devers holds the lowest fielding percentage among his peers with at least 500 games played, standing at .944. Advanced metrics further paint a challenging picture, indicating that Devers has been worth -29 Outs Above Average since 2021.
The Red Sox’s recent signing of Alex Bregman has added a new dimension to Devers’ future with the team. Bregman, renowned for his defensive prowess at third base during his tenure with the Houston Astros, clinched his first Gold Glove Award in 2024. The arrival of Bregman raises questions about Devers’ long-term position at third base, with speculations on whether Bregman will assume the role or transition to second base to accommodate Devers dominating discussions within the Red Sox camp.
The situation is further complicated by the emergence of Kristian Campbell, a promising talent at second base. Ranked seventh among MLB prospects by MLB.com, Campbell impressed with an impressive .330/.439/.558 batting line across multiple levels in 2024. The Red Sox view Campbell as the future solution at second base, setting the stage for a potential shift in the team’s defensive lineup. Despite facing initial challenges this spring, Campbell is expected to secure the second base position, paving the way for Bregman to take over third base and potentially relegating Devers to designated hitter duties.
As Devers prepares to make his spring debut after recovering from shoulder soreness, the spotlight remains on his ability to retain his position at third base. With the presence of a defensively superior third baseman in Bregman and a rising star in Campbell, Devers faces an uphill battle to secure his spot in the team’s defensive alignment. The ongoing positional discussions underscore the strategic moves made by the Red Sox as they seek to optimize their lineup for the upcoming season.
