The spring season is ongoing, and the opening day is just around the corner. Teams are ready with their projected lineup, but what about the Red Sox? No one knows who’s going to play at 3B for them! Yes, the contention between Alex Bregman and Rafael Devers to get the coveted position is still not over yet. What’s worse is the Red Sox’s manager, Alex Cora’s, unclear stance on this situation. So, between Bregman and Devers, who is more eligible and has better figures to play at 3B? 

Well, Devers has been playing at 3B for the Red Sox for the last few years, while Bregman is in his first year with the team. On the other hand, Bregman is also an established third baseman and comes with an irresistible figure. Rafael Devers scored 87 runs in 138 games in 2024, hit 28 home runs, dished out 83 RBIs, and had a batting average of .272. Bregman, on the other side, scored 79 runs, had 75 RBI, and had 26 HRs. As a result, last year’s performances from both were comparable. Expectedly, Devers responded to the 3B saga, “Third base is my position.”

Bregman reportedly agreed to play at 2B as well. So, why is Cora delaying the finalized lineup? Alex Cora got interviewed today by the MLB Network about his planning, and his response can create further confusion. “We’ll do whatever is best for the Red Sox. Let’s see what happens,” said Cora on who will play at 3B. Well, the conversation here was sparked by Devers’ faltering defense. Remember, Devers led the AL in errors among third basemen in the last 7 years?. In contrast, Bregman led all AL third basemen in fielding percentage, assists, total chances, and putouts last year.

Who will have the last laugh between Bregman and Devers?

Time is ticking for Cora to decide between Bregman and Devers. His silence will not resolve the issue. Why not place Devers at DH and get him to play his trademark hits while letting Bregman stay at 3B? For those unaware, the Japanese slugger Masataka Yoshida is medically cleared for on-field action this year. Reportedly, he will be back as DH, closing the door for Devers. What’s left then? Bregman at 2B and Devers at 3B is the ideal lineup for the Red Sox. But what matters most is Devers’ form, his errors are what make this combination a probable no-go.

Cora also has Alex Bregman’s future in mind. It is to be noted that Bregman has the option to terminate his contract following the 2025 and 2026 World Series with the Red Sox. Given that Bregman is going, Cora may be hesitant to have Devers change roles since he may need to do so again in a year. Hence, seemingly Rafael Devers will have the last laugh in getting 3B, while Bregman needs to stay at 2B. Will this combination succeed? Time can only answer here. 

With Triston Cases at 1B, Cora can have the best combination with Devers at 3B and Bregman at the second. Irrespective of the team’s postseason possibility, the scoreboard will be kept running with this combination. 

Who do you think is best for 3B of the Red Sox? Share your views with us below.