Who Is Rafael Devers? Red Sox Slugger at the Center of a Position Controversy

Rafael Devers is more than just the Boston Red Sox’s designated hitter — he’s been one of their most potent bats since arriving in the majors. But lately, the 27-year-old has become the subject of off-field drama involving position changes, front office tension, and some very public frustration.

Signed through 2033 on a $300+ million contract, Devers was once seen as the long-term solution at third base. But after a chain of front-office changes and defensive concerns, the Red Sox moved him to full-time DH this year — a shift that’s sparked unexpected friction within the organization.

Why Did Devers Stop Playing Third Base?

It started during spring training, when Boston’s front office — led by new chief baseball officer Craig Breslow — decided to transition Devers from third base to designated hitter. The team had been publicly linked to elite third basemen like Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado, casting doubt over Devers’ future at the hot corner.

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Devers was reportedly told to “put away the glove,” signaling that his defensive days were over. Manager Álex Cora confirmed in March:
“Raffy is going to DH. He’s the DH of the Boston Red Sox.”

Though disappointed, Devers said at the time he’d do what the team needed:
“I’m good to do whatever they want me to do. I’m just ready to play.”

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What Changed? Why Is Devers Now Frustrated?

Fast forward to May 2025 — and suddenly, the Red Sox are in trouble. Triston Casas, their starting first baseman, suffered a season-ending knee injury, leaving the position wide open.

With few appealing options, Boston reportedly asked Devers to fill in at first base. But Devers wasn’t having it.

Speaking through a translator, he said:

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“They told me to put away my glove… Now they want me to change positions again? It’s not appropriate.”

When asked if he was upset by the request, Devers replied simply: “Sí, claro.”
Yes, of course.

Why Is This Causing So Much Drama?

Devers’ refusal to play first base is rare in professional baseball, where players often shift positions to help the team. He feels blindsided by the club’s sudden change of course — especially after being told definitively he wouldn’t play the field again.

He also took a veiled swipe at Breslow, suggesting the new exec doesn’t fully understand the complexity of switching positions midseason:

“He played ball. He should know changing positions like that isn’t easy.”

It’s the kind of public tension that teams usually try to keep behind closed doors — but Devers isn’t hiding his disappointment.

How Has This Affected the Red Sox?

With Devers sticking to the DH spot, the Sox have relied on Romy González and Abraham Toro to play first — both light-hitting utility players not known for power or production.

There’s also a logjam at DH, especially once injured outfielder Masataka Yoshida returns. Prospects Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer are also inching toward the majors, but there’s no clear path to regular at-bats with Devers locked in as DH.

Is This Hurting Devers’ Performance?

Oddly enough — no. Despite some bumps to start the season, Devers has bounced back at the plate with a .246/.370/.430 slash line and a solid 123 wRC+. He remains one of the most dangerous hitters in the lineup, and the Red Sox have little interest in subtracting that bat anytime soon.

That said, the situation hasn’t exactly helped clubhouse harmony. Even though Devers insists he gets along well with teammates, his stance hasn’t reflected a team-first mentality, which could ruffle feathers behind the scenes.

Could the Red Sox Trade Devers?

Technically, yes — Devers doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract. But moving a player with eight years and over $200 million left on his deal midseason would be almost impossible. Any trade partner would likely try to exploit the current tension to get a better deal, and that’s not a good look for Boston’s front office.

So, for now, Devers stays. But if things continue to spiral, and the team finds itself out of contention, don’t be surprised if those trade whispers get louder — even if they’re unlikely to materialize.

What Happens Next?

The Red Sox will likely ride out the season with Devers at DH and patchwork options at first base. They could explore trade or waiver pickups for a more reliable solution, but internal improvement seems limited at the moment.

Looking ahead to 2026, the team will have to decide whether Devers can return to third, or if they’ll commit to him as a DH for the rest of his contract. That choice could affect other top infielders like Marcelo Mayer, Trevor Story, or Kristian Campbell, depending on how the roster shakes out.

Where Is Rafael Devers Now?

Rafael Devers is still the heartbeat of the Red Sox offense, but his role in the clubhouse and on the field is clearly changing. Once seen as a franchise cornerstone, he now finds himself in an awkward position — between the old regime’s promises and the new regime’s vision.

He may still be Boston’s future, but right now, he’s very much caught in its present drama.

Stay tuned. This saga isn’t over yet.