MLB Analyst: How Red Sox Should Position Rafael Devers, Alex Bregman

The Boston Red Sox have run into a spring training dilemma involving franchise star Rafael Devers and newcomer Alex Bregman.

Devers, the team’s starting third baseman throughout the past eight seasons, wasn’t sold on the idea of giving up the hot corner. The 28-year-old dismissed the idea of moving over to the designated hitter’s spot when asked by reporters at spring training. Boston hasn’t officially announced Opening Day positions for either Devers or Bregman, but the solution might not be simple.

Former MLB player turned analyst Eduardo Pérez offered a suggestion for the Red Sox to commit to maximizing the team’s potential entering 2025.

“This is not the way that you want to be able to start off a big league camp with your quote, unquote best player — not on board with what the organization wants and the team wants him to do,” Pérez told MLB Network Radio pm Tuesday. “… You’re going to get better with Alex Bregman at third base. You have already sealed your deal as far as economically so it’s not gonna hinder what you’re gonna get on (your) paycheck if you go over to the DH position. It’s gonna make the team better.”

Boston signed Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract last week to resolve the club’s need for a right-handed bat, first and foremost. However, Bregman’s above-average defensive reliability from third base is something to consider as well, coupled with the fact that the Red Sox led the American League with 115 errors last season.

Bregman, formerly of the Houston Astros for the past nine seasons, won his first career Gold Glove Award after recording a .972 fielding percentage across 142 games in 2024 — all at third base. Bregman beat out Ernie Clement of the Toronto Blue Jays and José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians in the voting.

Bregman does have experience playing shortstop and second base, positions the 30-year-old has performed drills at during spring training, but those aren’t simple solutions, either. The Red Sox have Trevor Story slated to guard shortstop and prospect Kristian Campbell, Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year last season, is knocking on the door for a big league promotion as an everyday second baseman.

The Red Sox certainly have versatility on their side, but that’s also in case of injuries. Boston manager Alex Cora is tasked with playing the best version of the new-look Red Sox as possible, even if it means making a tough decision or two.

Pérez also envisions the Red Sox leaning toward one of their all-time greats to help alleviate any potential tensions brewing in their clubhouse.

“I have a feeling Big Papi (David Ortiz) is gonna get involved in this one too,” Pérez said. “That’s what I would also do as far as communicating with Rafael Devers what’s best for the team because he had to do it at one point in his career at first base; move over to the DH spot to make the team better. We’re gonna have more voices, maybe behind the scenes, get involved. … But the best team is definitely with Bregman at third base and Devers at DH.”

Boston has led the AL in errors in three of the past four seasons.