Triston Casas Shares Position Preferences For Red Sox Infield

Upon the Red Sox signing Alex Bregman, Boston was faced with a critically important question.

Who is going to play third base?

That position has belonged to Rafael Devers ever since he broke through with the Red Sox in 2017. It would take a unique circumstance to move Devers off the hot corner at this point, but Bregman is a unique player. The two-time World Series champion shined at third for nearly a decade with the Houston Astros.

But if the decision belonged to Triston Casas, he would keep Devers at his natural position and move Bregman to the right side of the infield.

“I think it’s Raffy Devers’ position. I think he’s the third baseman and at that point, that’s where it stands,” Casas told reporters Tuesday, as seen on NESN. “He’s done it for a really long time now and I think he’s only getting better at that position. I think his defense is getting better every single year. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know it holds Raffy Devers. I think he’s gonna play defense. It’s going to keep him athletic and he’s going to hit because of him being at third base. He doesn’t know any other position. He doesn’t want to play any other position. He’s going to fight for it even if it’s with any of the younger guys, any new guy. I think he’s the best third baseman in the league. I wouldn’t take anybody over him. So, I think he should play third base.”

Casas continued: “I think Bregman should play second base. I think he’s going to make the transition well. I think he’s athletic enough and I think Trevor (Story) is gonna play an awesome shortstop.”

Devers on Monday made it abundantly clear that he wants to stay at third base and has no interest in occupying a different role with the Red Sox, including full-time designated hitter. Alex Cora hasn’t yet committed to any defensive alignments, as he clearly wants to let spring training play out before he makes a firm call.

A position battle isn’t going to create any tension within Boston’s clubhouse, though. Cora on Tuesday insisted Devers and Bregman wasted no time forming a relationship upon the latter joining the Red Sox.