Alex Bregman is one of the sharpest gloves and fiercest competitors in baseball—but let’s be real, his third base play has been a bit of a rollercoaster. One day, he’s flashing Gold Glove-level defense, the next, he’s making plays that leave Astros fans questioning reality. Is it positioning? Is it a strategy? Or is it just the baseball gods having a laugh? Whatever the case, it’s time to break down what’s really going on at the hot corner and how Bregman should be playing it.

The landscape of the Boston Red Sox has drastically changed after signing one of the biggest third basemen in the market. And yet, his position on the field is coming into question. It should be clear by now that Bregman should be at third but Rafael Devers already had a blast there for the past season. But now Buster Olney is explaining why Alex Bregman should play third base instead of Devers.

On the recent podcast of Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney, the host explains, “I think, in the end, Bregman is going to wind up playing third base for the Red Sox. I think, in the end, they’re going to talk to Devers and tell him, ‘Hey, you know what? We’re going to move you to DH. We have young prospects we want to use at second base. We’re a better team if you DH, and we have Alex Bregman, who won a Gold Glove at third base last year, playing that position.’”

Shuffling positions won’t be easy for the Red Sox or Devers, but Bregman’s unmatched defensive work rate makes it clear, what Boston should be doing, if Olney it to be believed. With a .972 fielding percentage and 24 double plays in 2024, his elite defense at third base sets him apart as one of the best in the league.

A few weeks ago, the rumor mill even reported that Bregman might second base, but although he may have played shortstop at LSU, he ultimately transitioned into third base. In his possible new role at Fenway Park, the slugger might face some technical problems like the footwork and making double plays, but it’s nothing Bregman hasn’t faced before.

At the end of the day, this isn’t rocket science—it’s baseball, and logic should prevail. If you have a Gold Glove-winning third baseman, you let him play third base, don’t you? The Red Sox can debate all they want, but as Olney declared, delaying the inevitable won’t change the fact that Bregman belongs at third.

But just for comparison’s sake, let’s look at which of the two players might look better at third.

Rafael Devers vs. Alex Bregman: A tale of two third basemen

Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman—two of the most talented third basemen in baseball, about to face off for a coveted position on the field. But with Bregman’s Gold Glove defense and Devers’ monstrous bat, it’s not as simple as a head-to-head battle. The real question is: who’s going to budge? The Red Sox might have to pick one. But don’t be surprised if they both end up with different roles in the lineup for the sake of the bigger picture.

With the start of the season weeks away, the spring training will be a good time to confirm the places. But it is not getting any easier for Alex Cora to decide. He said, “The only thing left open-ended is what position Bregman will play… He will either stay at third, with Devers moving across the diamond to first base or going to DH, or he’ll transition to second base.”

When it comes to defense, Alex Bregman might edge out a little. And you know what, Devers might want to DH too, as he was spotted ‘liking’ an Instagram post suggesting the role change. Social media is big when it comes to fa,ous personalities and fans won’t take this added layer of drama lightly.

In the end, the Red Sox’s decision will come down to which player they value most in the lineup—and who’s willing to make the sacrifice. Whether it’s Devers mashing in the DH role or Bregman locking down third base, the real winner here will be the team’s overall success. But one thing’s for sure: the drama isn’t over, and it’s only just beginning.