Walker Buehler’s new one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox makes a statement about his potential impact on the team in 2025. The right-hander, guaranteed $21.05 million, could earn an additional $2.5 million based on his performance, particularly regarding his number of starts. Buehler’s contract also includes a $3.05 million signing bonus, and he’ll earn a $15 million salary this season.

The 30-year-old two-time All-Star brings considerable experience and a championship pedigree to the Boston Red Sox. As a central piece for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ run to the World Series in 2024, Buehler is not unaccustomed to rubbing shoulders with the like of high-pressure situations; one was when he was having a bullpen session with his teammate Rafael Devers.

Less than a day remains until Rafael Devers’ much-anticipated debut in Spring Training for the Boston Red Sox. Manager Alex Cora verified how the Dominican third baseman would see action on Saturday during the game against the Atlanta Braves. But before his official debut, Devers made his presence felt during a simulated game, where he faced off against his new teammate, Walker Buehler.  

Devers didn’t hold back against the former Dodgers ace. The slugger crushed a massive home run off Buehler with a swing that showcased the bat speed and power that Red Sox fans have come to love.

After the game, when Buehler was asked about the game, he said, “Good… Devers clipped me, but he’s a good player, so I don’t feel too bad about it.” 

Devers has been consistent at third base. However, his positions have come under risk. When the Red Sox welcomed Alex Bregman into their home, speculations arose about which player would get to play at third base. Would it be the Red Sox’s own Devers or longtime Astros’ hero Bregman?

For a long time, both Bregman and Devers were adamant they only knew third and no other positions. So, it’s a complicated situation to handle.

Rafael Devers feels okay with DH role  

At first, Rafael Devers explained how he wasn’t keen on switching to a full-time designated hitter role. Known for his strong defense, the Dominican slugger is his strong defense at third base and wasn’t ready to give that up.

“Third base is my position,” Devers said back in February. “It’s what I’ve played. I don’t know what their plans are. I know we had a conversation, I made it clear, kind of what my desires were and whatever happens from here, I don’t know.”  

While Devers’ bat is one of the deadliest weapons in baseball, there was an air of unbendingness about his thoughts about wishing from third base. However, his readiness to reconsider what is best for the team is a good sign. It probably takes away any speculation about clubhouse drama to rest.

But on March 13, Devers did an about-face. With more casual and team-oriented talk, he made it clear: “I’m good to do whatever they want me to do.”

This change indicates Devers’ intense commitment to the Red Sox’s success wherever he might be put. With the shoulder injury that hindered him in the second half of 2024 still recovering, the ability of Devers to change his role is a large win for the team.

With his spring training debut approaching, fans will enjoy seeing where Devers fits in and how he helps Boston succeed this season.