Alex Cora has a big problem! But it’s a problem many managers would honestly love to have. He has two choices for one role of third baseman: Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman. A blessing? Absolutely. A curse? Well, it depends on how this entire thing pans out.
Just a week back, Rafael Devers made it clear—he was not ready to move his position to pave the path for Bregman. Yes, the Gold Glove star for 3B! And given that Devers himself is recovering, many thought his demands were wild. But Alex Cora told reporters just recently that Devers can make his debut on March 5.
“We are preparing him to play third base. That’s part of the progression,” said Cora.
But Jon Morosi, talking on MLB Network, thinks it’s just a wash and that ultimately, it is Bregman who will take on the role of third baseman.
“To me, if you were going to have Bregman be your second baseman, he would be playing second base right now [in Spring Training games].”
– @jonmorosi on the Red Sox 3B situation pic.twitter.com/CIooXRQ3cW
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 26, 2025
Morosi mentioned, “To me, if you were going to have Bregman be your second baseman, he would be playing second base right now [in spring training games].” And he does have a point.
For Morosi, it makes no sense to move Breggy across the diamond when he is already on base, in game shape, and thriving in the environment.
But at the end of the day, it’s Cora who will call the shots. He did mention that Alex Bregman will see his time at second base during the spring training. But, he also clarified that the final decisions about the Devers and Bregman situation have still not been made. They need to weigh in the options because Bregman has just two starts in his career at second.
Meanwhile, Devers has his concerns. And while his bat is undeniable, he has been shaky at third base, leading all active players in career errors at the role.
For now, though, Devers has doubled down on his stance: “I feel like I said everything I needed to say that day. I still feel the same way.” He also downplayed this entire controversy, saying that he didn’t know his statement would become such a huge discussion. “I don’t know why this is becoming such a big story. We’re a team. We talk to each other. The most important thing is we win. That’s where I’m at.”
Alex Bregman’s team-first mentality on full display
What everyone is seeing in the Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman fiasco is not just a drama for a role. But also a difference in two ideals or two attitudes. When for Rafael Devers, it’s either his way or no way, Bregman has shown a mature side. He displayed his team-first approach by highlighting that he is open to filling in whichever role the team thinks is best for him.
“I’ll play anywhere, and I truly mean it.”
A-Breg is a Gold Glove player for third base, yet this gesture shows he has no ego bone.
May 31, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run during the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
However, no matter what Devers or Bregman says, the final decision is something that lies with Alex Cora. And even the mere gesture by Bregman to be so flexible didn’t go unnoticed.
Cora praised him: “He’s a baseball rat. His baseball IQ is up there.”
Bregman is almost like the Boston Red Sox legend Dustin Pedroia, just maybe a quieter version of him.
At the end of the day though, despite the media speculations of there being a rift in players, it’s far from the truth. Bregman mentioned, “This has been talked about way more in the media than it has in the clubhouse.” And for Devers, he even takes tips from Bregman on how he can get better.
Think this understanding is for real? Let’s hear it from you!
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