Rafael Devers Sparks Fan Uproar After Boldly Defying Red Sox Request
The Boston Red Sox have had a solid start to the 2025 MLB season. It hasn't been great, but at this point in time they hold a 20-19 record.
Rafael Devers has posted good numbers to begin the season as well, but he has been involved in some negative headlines of late.
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After the Red Sox requested Devers to switch to first base, the 28-year-old declined. He has made it clear that he has no interest in making that kind of a change in his personal career.
In response to the request, Devers spoke out and made a lengthy strong statement about why he has declined to switch to first base.
"I know I'm a ballplayer but at the same time, they can't expect me to play every single position out there," Devers said. "In spring training, they talked to me and basically told me to put away my glove - that I wasn't going to play any other position but DH. So right now, I just feel like it's not an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position.
"It was the GM that I spoke with. I'm not sure what he has with me. He played ball and I would like to think he knows that changing positions like that isn't easy."
Boston fans have been infuriated by Devers' refusal and statement. That much is clear by the comments made on the Fox Sports post.
Boston Red Sox infielder Rafael Devers.© David Butler II-Imagn Images
"There's a team player for you. Someone you want in your foxhole to weather out the storms," one fan commented.
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Another fan wrote, "I get what he's saying, but if I'm getting paid MLB money as a career, I'll be the bat boy if they want me to… and I'll do my best to study what a bat boy does to be the best one there is."
"Bro has years of experience at the corner infield. Put on the mit a cover 1st, tubby," a third comment read.
A fourth comment said, "Big yikes. Not a team player at all."
"This is embarrassing for Devers," a fifth fan wrote.
Through his first 39 games of the season, Devers has hit six home runs to go along with 25 RBI's and a slash line of .255/.379/.455.
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