When the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman, the excitement was undeniable. But now, the real question looms—where does he fit in? Third base has long been Rafael Devers’ turf, making this an unexpected positional showdown. Boston fans are eager for answers, and just when the debate seemed to be heating up, Alex Cora threw a wildcard into the mix. His latest update on Masataka Yoshida’s return could reshape the entire infield equation. Will it settle the debate once and for all, or are we in for another round of lineup uncertainty?

The Red Sox manager Alex Cora is reportedly facing reluctance from Devers to play as a DH, while the latter’s 3B stats are not justifying his choice. Moreover, with Bregman, Cora got another reliable option at 3B, which makes the Red Sox delay their final team combination. Well, it seems like the addition of Bregman has created a healthy situation in the team with more contenders for a particular position. So, how can Yoshida’s return influence the 3B decision for the team? And what could be the best combination for the Red Sox, keeping Yoshida in the middle? 

Where will Alex Bregman play?

Before joining the Red Sox, Alex Bregman was offered 2B, and he agreed. Back to the current time, Bregman is still open to play at 2B. Then what’s the issue here? It’s the stats of Devers at 3B that make Cora think otherwise. It is Devers’ struggling defense that made the talks here. Devers led AL third basemen in errors for the seventh year in a row. This might have made Cora say, “No decisions have been made,” as to who will play at 3B. On the other hand, Bregman led AL third basemen in fielding percentage, assists, total chances, and putouts in 2024, making a strong case for 3B.

While Devers was asked to play as a DH and let Bregman take 3B, the former voiced his reluctance. So, what next now? “Masataka Yoshida has been cleared to face live BP, and there’s a chance he will start DHing in spring training games soon,” said Cora in an interview with Christopher Smith. This means Yoshida is coming back as DH, and Devers is no longer the first choice for the same. This also indicates that Devers will then stay back at 3B, while Bregman needs to play at the second. 

Possible combinations for the Red Sox

Devers at 3B and Bregman at 2B is the best combination the Red Sox can have. However, Devers’ struggle at 3B is what makes this combination a challenge. While there is no other way to play Yoshida than DH, it is to decide between Devers and Bregman to take 3B and 2B, respectively. Well, it seems hopes are low for Bregman to get 3B. “We’re preparing Raffy to play third base,” said Cora over his probable 3B choice. Yoshida’s recent issue of lack of hitting velocity can bring a twist to the tale again.

If Masataka Yoshida is healthy for Opening Day 2025, don’t expect his fantasy value to skyrocket. His first two MLB seasons were underwhelming, and while he’s got solid contact skills (.285 average in 248 games), his power numbers—just 25 homers—leave much to be desired. That’s where Rafael Devers could come into play as a stronger DH option. But if Devers shifts, who’s taking over at third and second base? And just like that, the Red Sox’s positional carousel keeps spinning with no clear end in sight.

Alex Cora got a situation over a conflict to resolve between Devers and Bregman. Anyway it goes, the bases will be stronger than ever with Triston Casas, Alex Bregman, and Rafael Devers leading the charge from each plate. 

What do you think about the chance of Bregman at 3B? Share your thoughts with us below.