Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox
Red Sox Face Major Decision on Rafael Devers’ Future at Third Base
A seismic shift could be on the horizon for the Boston Red Sox as they navigate a brewing controversy at third base. Since 2017, Rafael Devers has been a staple at the hot corner, making his mark as one of baseball’s premier hitters. However, his defensive struggles have been well-documented, as he has led all American League third basemen in errors each season since 2018.
Despite those concerns, Devers has made it clear where he wants to be. The two-time All-Star recently stated, “Third base is my position.” But with Boston’s offseason acquisition of Alex Bregman and the rapid emergence of top prospect Kristian Campbell, the Red Sox may have other plans.
How Bregman and Campbell Factor In
Bregman, a two-time World Series champion and one of the most consistent third basemen over the past decade, was signed in free agency this winter. While he has expressed a willingness to play anywhere, the expectation was that he would shift to second base to accommodate Devers at third.
That plan could be derailed if Campbell, ranked as the No. 4 prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America, wins the second base job outright. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that if Campbell claims the position, then Bregman will take over third base, forcing Devers into a designated hitter role—something he has already made clear he has no interest in.
“If he wins it, Bregman will play third and Devers—who has received MVP votes five of the past six years and signed a franchise-record $313.5 million contract—will move to designated hitter, a role he said unequivocally he doesn’t want to play,” Passan noted.
A Franchise-Altering Dilemma
Forcing their franchise player into a role he opposes is bound to create tension in the clubhouse, but Boston appears willing to take that risk. Passan added, “The Red Sox see Campbell as worth the potential drama.”
Campbell’s rapid rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Selected in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB Draft, the 22-year-old skyrocketed through three levels of the minor leagues in 2024, ultimately earning Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year honors. With his bat and defensive versatility, the Red Sox may believe he is ready to be an everyday contributor at the highest level.
What Happens Next?
With Opening Day approaching, the Red Sox must soon make a tough decision. Do they risk alienating Devers by pushing him to DH, or do they stick with him at third and force either Campbell or Bregman to play out of their natural positions?
No matter how it unfolds, the outcome of this positional battle could have lasting implications for Boston’s future. If Campbell proves himself ready for the big leagues, the Red Sox will have to weigh their franchise player’s wishes against what they believe is best for the team. How Devers responds to potentially losing his spot at third base could define the next chapter of his career—and the Red Sox’s 2025 season.
