Rafael Devers thought he had job security. When he signed a $300 million contract, there was an unspoken understanding—you’re the guy. No questions, no competition. But the Red Sox, never the ones to follow conventional wisdom, threw a wrench into that expectation by bringing in Alex Bregman, one of the best defensive third basemen in the game.
Now, Devers finds himself in unfamiliar territory: fighting not just for his spot at third base but for the trust that once seemed unquestionable. And, according to former MLB All-Star Bret Boone, he’s feeling it.
“You gotta know who you’re dealing with,” Boone said, speaking candidly about the situation on his recent podcast. “Certain personalities will handle that, not miss a beat, and move on. Certain personalities, which I think a Rafael Devers personality is, no, he’s kind of hurt. Like, ‘What are you doing? I’m your guy, I’m your third baseman.’”
The challenge here isn’t just a defensive upgrade—it’s an emotional one. Boone’s take sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of clubhouse dynamics. Baseball players aren’t robots; they’re human beings with egos, emotions, and expectations. Rafael Devers, a homegrown star who’s been the face of Boston’s infield for years, didn’t sign up for this fight.
To make things even more complicated, Bregman has taken the high road, expressing flexibility and a willingness to play wherever he’s needed. That puts even more pressure on Devers. He initially resisted moving off third base, but later said he’d accept a designated hitter role. But according to Boone, that’s a band-aid over a deeper wound.
“He says he’s happy with DH, but I know he’s not happy DH,” Boone continued. “Two games in, he’s in on it because what else is he gonna do?”
This puts Red Sox manager Alex Cora in a uniquely tough spot. He has to navigate the delicate balance of keeping Rafael Devers engaged while maximizing the team’s defensive potential. How Cora manages this will be one of his biggest tests as a leader. If he can keep both stars happy and productive, the Red Sox could have a potent lineup. But if Devers continues to feel slighted, Boston’s $300 million man might become more of a problem than a solution.
Clubhouse chemistry: Can Cora keep the peace between Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers?
Managing egos is just as important as managing lineups, and Alex Cora now faces one of his toughest balancing acts yet. He has two star players on his team. One who excels in defense and is open to adapting as needed and the other who is an offensive player adjusting to a new role unexpectedly. A mishandled situation could turn quiet tension into full-blown clubhouse drama. It’s not just about positioning players. It’s about building trust among them.
Can Cora convince Rafael Devers that he’s still a cornerstone despite being shifted out of his comfort zone? Can he make sure Bregman’s willingness to adapt doesn’t unintentionally alienate his new teammate?
Great managers excel at transforming disagreements into sources of inspiration for their team members. Cora has a track record of fostering connections with players; however, in this scenario, he needs to go beyond pep talks and instead provide ongoing support and guidance. If Rafael Devers starts to feel undervalued or disconnected from the team goals and dynamics, this could potentially impact his performance at the plate, leading to a situation where the Red Sox are not facing any challenge but need to address deeper team chemistry concerns.
In the end, Cora needs to figure out how to keep Rafael Devers interested while making sure Bregman’s shift goes smoothly. If this lingers, it could be the kind of quiet storm that derails a contender.
The post Aaron Boone’s Brother Drops Shocking “Hurt” Claim on Rafael Devers, Exposes Brutal Challenge for Red Sox Skipper Alex Cora appeared first on EssentiallySports.