The Boston Red Sox are obviously going to look different in 2025.
Boston added Alex Bregman and there has been chatter for weeks about the possibility of Rafael Devers being the team’s full-time designated hitter. All of the signs have been pointing in that direction for weeks, but manager Alex Cora finally made the official announcement on Wednesday on WEEI, as shared by Ken Laird of WEEI.
“Alex (Bregman) is going to play third, Raffy’s going to DH. We all are in the winning business. He understands that,” Cora said. “Every DH was a position player until they became a DH, take a look at JD (Martinez). Raffy is going to DH and hit 2nd against righties and lefties. I expect a big season from him.”
This is a decision that has seemed obvious for weeks the team hadn’t made the official announcement. Now, they have. This is for the best at this time. Kristian Campbell will be the team’s second baseman at least to open the year, Bregman will be at third base, and Devers at DH. This will lead to a monster lineup for Boston.
The Red Sox have some very high expectations heading into the 2025 Major League Baseball season. The fact that Bregman and Campbell both will be with the team are big reason why. It certainly seems like it was a tough call by the team, but it seems like the right one. Having all three of these guys in the lineup is a complete game-changer.
Red Sox Fans React to Wednesday’s Rafael Devers News
The Boston Red Sox officially begin their season on Thursday against the Texas Rangers. After an eventful off-season that saw them make some notable moves, the Red Sox will be aim to get back into the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
During the beginning stages of Spring Training, there was a bit of drama with the Red Sox. Superstar Rafael Devers told reporters he would not DH for the AL East club if asked and stressed that his position was third base. This was shortly after the Red Sox signed fellow star infielder Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract on Feb. 19.
Now, on Wednesday, Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed on WEEI that Devers will, in fact, be the club’s primary DH this season. Here is what Cora said on the matter, as reported by WEEI’s Ken Laird:
“Alex is going to play third. Raffy’s going to DH. We all are in the winning business. He understands that.”
Given Devers’ previous refusal to DH, Red Sox fans have naturally had plenty of reactions to the big news.
“This is the best outcome. Bregman is the better defender,” one fan wrote.
“Devers cannot be happy about that,” another fan said.
“Yeah, kinda makes sense that the guy who won the Gold Glove last year at 3B should play the position every day,” replied another about Bregman.
“Probably the right move. Bregman had been egregiously underrated for years until his GG,” another fan posted.
“Now that’s coaching. I don’t like Cora but like that he put his foot down for the betterment of the team,” said another fan.
“The clubhouse is already getting awkward. Not a good look here,” another fan argued.
Nevertheless, it is going to be quite interesting to see how Devers adjusts to now being the Red Sox’s DH from here. With Bregman being an elite defender, the decision to have him at third and Devers being DH has the potential to positively impact the Red Sox.
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