Spring training for the Red Sox isn’t exactly a walk in the park. And after a whirlwind of an offseason, they’re now caught in the middle of a position-power battle that has everyone talking. At the heart of the drama? Rafael Devers vs. Alex Bregman.

They’re missing their third baseman, Rafael Devers, who is out with his sore shoulders. Meanwhile, the new arrival, two-time Golden Glove winner Alex Bregman, is waiting in the wings.

Devers was supposed to make a triumphant return, silencing doubters and reclaiming his spot at third. Instead? His debut has been delayed indefinitely. “He wants more time,” manager Alex Cora revealed, a hint of concern in his voice. “He needs to feel ‘up to speed’ at the plate.” That’s both measured and speaks volumes. The Red Sox are still waiting on their big bat—Devers isn’t in the lineup yet. And with Bregman in the mix, the tension in Boston is as thick as a bowl of clam chowder.

And Devers’s shoulder? It’s more than a pain. It’s a lingering threat to his power. “Last year, of course, limited to 138 games because of shoulder issues, really in both shoulders,” revealed Jon Morosi, an MLB insider.

The numbers tell the story.

• Home runs: Down to 28, a sharp drop from his 43-homer peak in 2023.
• Batting average: A solid .285, but his extra-base hits took a hit.

And the impact? Less explosiveness, more uncertainty. Injuries can derail even the best. So, what’s the solution?

It’s an open secret that for aging sluggers, the designated hitter (DH) role has been a career-saver. Consider Nelson Cruz. He was a late bloomer, but once he accepted the designated hitter role, it was a game-changer. Now he’s 44 and still mashing homers. And David Ortiz, the Big Papi, the Red Sox legend whose long and Hall of Fame career was aided by becoming a DH. That’s a way to have those powerful bats in the lineup while minimizing the rigors of fielding. The DH can save Devers’s career. It is a need of time for him due to his lingering shoulder and hamstring issues. But here’s the twist: Devers doesn’t want it.“I’m a third baseman,” he said. “That’s where I belong.”

The Red Sox’s choice: A high-stakes gamble

There will be so many options and scenarios that can happen in the upcoming Red Sox saga. There is one possibility where Devers will be playing as DH, Bregman as 3B, and Campbell as 2B. This is the defense-­priority scenario. So the Gold Glover Bregman moves to third, and the kid Campbell gets his opportunity at second. But Devers? He’s stuck at DH, which he doesn’t relish. Recall that in 2023, his OPS was 100 points lower when he wasn’t playing the field. It’s a gamble, but it might strengthen the Red Sox’s defense.

Another option may be Devers at 3B, Bregman at 2B, Campbell in AAA or Utility. This preserves the status quo. Devers remains at third, Bregman moves to second, and Campbell either gets developed in the minors or serves as decent depth as a utility guy. But what about Bregman’s defensive numbers at second? Not good. He posted a -3 Defensive Runs Saved there in 2024. And his bat? It’s more impactful at third. It’s a compromise. It may not be getting the best out of either player.

There is another possibility. If they use Devers at 3B, Bregman at SS, and Campbell at 2B. How is that? It’s an unusual but fascinating situation. Versatile athlete Bregman shifts to shortstop, which he played in college. Campbell goes to second, and Devers stays at third. It’s a daring call, and it can really unleash the potential of the Red Sox. But it depends on Bregman being able to transition to a different position and Campbell being ready for the majors.

And there’s a case 4 also. But it’s the most drastic one. What if the Red Sox trade Devers or Bregman and keep Campbell at 2nd base? The deal clears the logjam and allows them to fill other holes on the team. But it also leaves a big gap in the lineup if they trade Devers. And trading Bregman is a risk. But maybe it’s the jolt the Sox require.

And to further stir this already crowded picture, we have the spring training of Marcelo Mayer and Masataka Yoshida. Mayer is .294 with a couple of homers, and Yoshida .333. They’re both making cases, complicating the Red Sox infield picture even further.

So, what do you think the Red Sox should do? Should they prioritize defense, moving Devers to DH and giving Bregman the hot corner, or go with other options?