Red Sox’s Rafael Devers Rejects First Base Switch, Clashes With Front Office

Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers is standing firm, rejecting a proposed switch from designated hitter to first base. The three-time All-Star, already sidelined from third base duties this season, made headlines with a sharp rebuke of the team’s front office after first baseman Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury.

In spring training, manager Alex Cora instructed Devers to focus solely on hitting, effectively retiring his glove. So, when chief baseball officer Craig Breslow floated the idea of Devers covering first base, the 28-year-old slugger didn’t mince words. "They can’t expect me to play every single position out there," Devers said through a translator. "It’s not an appropriate decision."

Devers, who signed a $313.5 million contract in 2023, hinted at tension with Breslow, a former pitcher turned executive. "I’m not certain what issue he has with me," he remarked, adding that switching positions isn’t as simple as the front office might think. He even suggested the team hit the free agent market to fill the gap at first base rather than reshuffling his role.

Despite the friction, Devers emphasized his strong bond with teammates, though he took a jab at the organization’s decision-making. "Next thing you know, someone in the outfield gets hurt, and they want me to play out there," he quipped. With six home runs in 39 games this season, Devers remains a powerhouse at the plate, but don’t expect him to don a first baseman’s mitt anytime soon.