The Boston Red Sox just can’t seem to stay out of the headlines—except this time, it’s not about another failed blockbuster signing.

Rafael Devers has found himself at the center of yet another buzz, thanks to a leaked private conversation with none other than the Red Sox legend David Ortiz. Devers seems to be facing some problems with the Red Sox front office, but it’s not related to the Alex Bregman situation. It was something that had happened before. With the MLB season closing in, the Boston Red Sox called in for some help during spring training. Yes, Big Papi – David Ortiz! But that is not what caught the attention; it was the conversation between the two.

While Devers and Ortiz were on their way to training, amid all the fans screaming and cheering, Devers was seen complaining about the Red Sox front office. And the big surprise? They didn’t know they were being recorded. The cameras caught Devers saying, “A right-handed bat. And they’re coming to force me? And they told me: ‘We offered $700 million to Soto.’ I told them if they offered you $700 million, sign with Santander…” 

It looks like Rafael Devers was not happy with how the Red Sox handled the off-season. Remember how they pushed for Juan Soto, ready to pay $700 million? And all that while offering Raffy only $313 million.

But David Ortiz didn’t pull back from calming Devers down; instead, he said, “They leave everything for the last [minute]. What a problem! But, you forget about that. Let’s improve.” As a Red Sox veteran, he knows how the club runs. And he assured Devers that this has always been the case. And the important thing now is for Devers to improve himself. That way, Boston would know the value of Rafael Devers and not make the mistake of letting him go.

If nothing else, the Red Sox front office is consistent—consistently late, consistently chaotic, and consistently testing the patience of their star players. Devers’ frustration is hardly shocking, but Ortiz’s advice is a reminder that in Boston, talent has to speak louder than management’s missteps.

But this time, it can backfire!

Rafael Devers makes his opinion known to the Red Sox after Bregman’s arrival

Rafael Devers isn’t one to bite his tongue, and with Alex Bregman’s arrival in Boston, he’s making sure the Red Sox front office hears him loud and clear. After an off-season of questionable decisions and last-minute scrambling, Devers has had enough. If the Red Sox thought they could make big moves without ruffling feathers, they clearly underestimated their star third baseman. After the Red Sox signed Breggy, everybody had the question of who would play at third base. And Rafael Devers has made his intentions very clear. He is not moving from the third base.

“It’s my decision… My position is third base. Whatever it is they want to do is what they want to do. But my position is third base.”

He can’t be any clearer about this. Not even the Golden Glove winner can take his position. And Alex Cora was very happy that Rafael Devers was upfront with the front office. Cora said that he knows that Devers has a lot of pride. But the decision will be made according to what is best for the team.

Devers has drawn his line in the infield dirt, and he is not budging. While the Red Sox front office may have envisioned a smooth transition, they now have a full-blown standoff. If Boston wants to keep their star happy, they better start figuring out a way to make third base big enough for two—or prepare for some serious clubhouse drama.

Intrigued?