What started as one of the most buzzed-about narratives in the Red Sox spring training has quietly faded into the background. However, it still reflects some of the deeper questions the team is facing. Yes, you might have guessed right. We are talking about the contention for the 3B between Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers. While Devers is now settled as a DH, Bregman’s paternity leave was supposed to resettle him at third. But, no such thing happened in reality!
In what could’ve been a headline matchup — Rafael Devers vs. Alex Bregman, two of the AL’s premier third basemen — the Red Sox made a subtle but telling choice. Devers stayed at DH, and Romy Gonzalez got the nod at third! So, while Bregman was out for a personal milestone, Devers could have been a better option to take the hot corner over Gonzalez. Surprising move, isn’t it?
During an appearance on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show”, the Red Sox CBO, Craig Breslow, got candid about not putting Devers at third.
“I think it’s an opportunity to get guys into the lineup that we want to make sure aren’t sitting for long, whether that’s Romy Gonzalez or David Hamilton,” Breslow said. “Raffy is going through a transition in terms of his role, and we want to make sure that we’re doing everything we possibly can to make that transition as easy as possible. Sometimes, adding things to one’s plate can make it a little bit more complicated.”
So, Devers’ benching from third was about roster management and performance strategy. While this isn’t a full-blown position shift yet. But it’s another data point suggesting that the team is experimenting with life beyond Devers at third, even if temporarily. The fact that this happened in a key divisional game against the Rays makes it all the more interesting. It is also an indication that the team is moving on from Devers at third.
Rafael Devers’ stint as a DH hasn’t exactly quieted concerns — in fact, it may have amplified them. His numbers as a DH have been noticeably down — fewer hard-hit balls, more strikeouts, and less rhythm at the plate. Well, with only 2 HRs till now and a .229 BA, it is not a Devers-like performance. In this case, Breslow is right about not putting additional duties on Devers’ plate. It’s better to help him settle as a DH.
There it is, Bregman at third and Devers at DH, fixed for now.
Bregman got no competition at 3B
Remember Bregman’s last game against the Rays on Tuesday, just before he went on leave? His 5-for-5 performance was one of those classic moments from a player who’s been a cornerstone of the Astros’ success for years. Moreover, playing at 3B since the beginning of 2025, Bregman has amassed 4 HRs, 16 RBIs with a .292 BA. In contrast, Devers scored a .272 BA in the entire last year playing at the hot corner. So yes, the Red Sox might have made the right choice going with Bregman at third.
While the Red Sox got Bregman for the hot corner, it’s not that Devers offered below-par stats last year. It’s just that Bregman is ahead of Devers in terms of a strong defensive performance. “Since 2017, when Devers made his MLB debut, Bregman has +21 defensive runs saved at the hot corner, whereas Devers’ DRS is -62,” MLB reported.
Hence, Alex Bregman’s advanced metrics—such as DRS and OAA—reflect a steady, fundamentally sound defender with excellent instincts and reliable arm accuracy. Moreover, he routinely ranks among the better defensive third basemen in the league! On the other hand, Devers provides significant offensive value with his power and bat speed. The perfect recipe for a DH success.
The recipe, although not offering the expected result, with Devers still struggling as a DH, his four hits in the last 5 games might be indicating a turnaround. What is your choice between the two for the third base?
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