As opening day approaches, a controversy at third base ignites clubhouse drama for the Boston Red Sox. This has been the talk of the town, as Rafael Devers remains firm in his decision with “NO” compromises regarding his position. While the performance isn’t the focus, the 3B drama is understandably grabbing attention. Are the Red Sox risking yet another fallout?

The Red Sox secured Rafael Devers with a 10-year, $313.5 million contract. However, the team’s internal strife has increased, complicating Devers’ situation when they acquired Alex Bregman for $120 million on a 3-year deal. Dever’s position at third base was questioned because this move indicated a change in the team’s infield intentions. But now, when it’s in the open, new cards keep coming from the deck.

On the ‘FENWAY RUNDOWN’ podcast, the analysts shared their view on how the Red Sox manipulate Devers to change his decision. Sean McAdam responded to this latest rift: “You know whether you wanna settle that on Craig Breslow or Alex Cora or both, but that should have been more proactive in preparing him for what now seems like an eventuality.”

Boston should take a proactive approach instead of implying manipulative tactics. Reports indicate that the team’s inconsistent communication and delayed commitment initially made Devers feel underappreciated, causing unnecessary stress and doubt about his future with the team.

He also commented on how management was blaming the media, “I’m pretty certain that there is frustration that over the winter, [Rafael Devers] was repeatedly assured ‘oh that stuff you’re reading about Arenado and Bregman, nah that’s just the media throwing stuff out there, we’re not doing that.” Devers’s disappointment is a valid reason, and pushing others to pull the needle is a bad strategy that the front office adopted.

Boston insiders noted that this strategy was ineffective and unnecessary. The Red Sox should have made a clear, aggressive offer to sign Rafael Devers sooner. If those assurances were misleading, it prompts an important question: was this a deliberate attempt to reshape the narrative and cast Devers as a bad guy for simply upholding his position?

Red Sox seem set on handing 3B to Alex Bregman, regardless of Rafael Devers’ wishes

Regardless of Rafael Devers’ desires, the Red Sox seem willing to transfer Alex Bregman to third base.  Reports suggest the organization brought Bregman, adding to the clubhouse’s frustration, even as Devers insisted that rumors about Arenado and Bregman were just media speculation.

In a recent conversation, Chris Cotillo shared his unfiltered views: “When people like Breslow and Cora diplomatically note that ‘these things tend to work themselves out,’ they’re basically saying that Devers will eventually play where they want him to play. If Campbell shows out and claims second base, that spot will be designated hitter.”

The front office’s handling of this scenario resembles past mistakes, where mixed messages and last-minute changes left key players uncertain of their roles. After committing to the team for ten years, No.11, a two-time All-Star, is now unsure about his future at third base. Boston’s approach to this process lacks respect and transparency, which could negatively impact team morale and trust in management if they consider moving him to another role.

Bregman is being cautious when addressing the team’s current situation. He said “It’s an honor to be Raffy’s teammate … I feel like this has been talked about way more in the media than it has in the clubhouse.” He also added, “We’ve just been keeping our head down, getting to work. Like you said, I’ll play anywhere, I truly mean it. Wherever AC tells me to play, I’ll be ready to play.”

The Red Sox find themselves at a turning point. Will they follow previous trends and forego players’ trust in favor of perceived leverage? Or will they eventually move past the Lester fiasco and create a new course based on mutual respect and sincere cooperation?