Red Sox Players React to Stubborn Rafael Devers Comments About First Base

Yahoo

10-05-2025

The Rafael Devers saga continues for the Boston Red Sox. Devers was slotted into a designated hitter role for the superior defender Alex Bregman, which ruffled his feathers and perhaps explains his recent attitude.
Boston have had to scramble for a first baseman after losing Triston Casas to season-ending knee surgery. Romy González has excelled as the replacement, but there are doubts as to whether or not he can sustain his hot start for an entire season.
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The natural, albeit tricky, move was to teach Devers the three and open up the DH role for, say, Masataka Yoshida once he is healthy, or simply to give manager Alex Cora more lineup combinations.
Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
However, Devers has stubbornly refused to learn first, leaving Boston with questions about its highest-paid player. Christopher Smith of MassLive has shared plenty of Devers quotes, but here is one about his feelings toward the front office:
Gabrielle Starr of The Boston Herald had this to add on his teammates' reactions:
Devers, who signed a 10-year, $313.5 million extension in January of 2023, is in no position to refuse the request. He was upset about losing his defensive responsibilities in the spring, but does not want to return to the infield unless it is on his terms.
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Maybe Devers feels he can take a straightforward approach now that he is paid, but it is still disappointing to see what a team leader should put his teammates in the rearview mirror.
The Red Sox still want to call up outfielder Roman Anthony and shortstop Marcelo Mayer this year, two young additions that could propel this team through the summer. Devers occupying the DH spot complicates things.
In fairness to Devers, expecting him to learn first overnight is a tall ask and a heavy weight to carry. But, still, he is making all that money, and the right move would be to accept the new responsibilities and help the team.
Related: Rafael Devers Sparks Fan Uproar After Boldly Defying Red Sox Request
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