Rafael Devers made headlines when he expressed his reluctance to move off third base and take on the role of designated hitter for the Red Sox.
However, he has since made it clear that his primary goal is to help the team win. MassLive reported that Devers even considered requesting a trade due to his initial frustration with the situation.
As Opening Day nears, it appears Devers will be the DH, with Alex Bregman taking over third base.
The story sparked a lot of conversation for weeks, but team president Sam Kennedy believes Devers has done exactly what the Red Sox hoped.
“He’s put winning and the team above all else,” Kennedy said on MassLive’s “Fenway Rundown” podcast with Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam.
“He might not agree with every decision, and he’s undoubtedly one of the most competitive people you’ll meet. As I mentioned in Florida, he’s the only player on the roster with a ring from 2018. This guy wants championships, and he’s a championship-caliber player.”
The talk about Devers’ future at third base began after the Red Sox signed Bregman in February. The 2024 Gold Glove winner kept his comments brief, saying it was an honor to play alongside Devers and that he’d fill whatever role the team needed.
Despite Devers’ initial firm stance on staying at third, Kennedy emphasized that Devers has ultimately prioritized the team over his personal preferences.
“We expect him to keep doing that,” Kennedy said. “We appreciate his attitude. Above all, Raffy wants what we all want: to win baseball games.”
