Craig Breslow puts rumors to rest: Rafael Devers is staying at third base

In a recent statement, Craig Breslow, the Chief Baseball Officer for the Boston Red Sox, reaffirmed that Rafael Devers will continue to play at third base for the team. This confirmation comes amidst speculation surrounding potential position changes due to the team's interest in acquiring third basemen like Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado. Devers, a talented hitter, has faced criticism for his defensive skills, leading to discussions about his future positioning on the field. However, Breslow emphasized the organization's commitment to Devers in his current role, stating that improvements in his defensive ability were noted during the previous season. Devers experienced a challenging 2023 season, characterized by a mix of injury problems and defensive struggles. He recorded a career-low 12 errors but still led the American League in fielding miscues, underscoring the ongoing concerns about his defensive performance. Despite his fielding issues, Devers managed to post a respectable .960 fielding percentage, marking an improvement over previous years. His drop in errors, combined with a productive offensive showing, indicated potential for further development, prompting the Red Sox to maintain their trust in his abilities as third baseman. During the Winter Meetings in Dallas earlier this week, manager Alex Cora and Breslow directly addressed the rumors surrounding Devers and hinted at discussions within the organization about bolstering the infield. As the Red Sox explored free agents and potential trades, the idea of moving Devers off third base emerged, largely due to the high-profile names being considered for the hot corner. However, Breslow's recent statements directly negated these speculations, emphasizing a unified front within the team regarding Devers' position. Breslow acknowledged Devers's commitment to improving his game, as he manages past injuries while also pushing to help the team succeed. The organization remains dedicated to his development, especially as Devers was noted for showing signs of improvement in mobility during the previous season. As the Red Sox prepare for the upcoming season with a fresh coaching staff and renewed focus on player development, the plan for Devers appears firm, solidifying his place in the lineup as the team seeks to enhance its competitiveness in Major League Baseball.