Major changes could be coming to the Boston Red Sox lineup in 2025.
According to Sean McAdam of MassLive.com, the Red Sox have internally discussed moving Rafael Devers from third base. McAdam further mentioned that the Red Sox may be looking at Nolan Arenado as a replacement at the hot corner should Devers change positions.
A position change has already been speculated about during the offseason. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Red Sox have checked in on Alex Bregman with the idea of moving Devers to first base. However, Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reported that Devers’ agent, Nelson Montes de Oca, stated that the third baseman has no intention of changing positions.
The 28-year-old Devers has established himself as an important part of the Red Sox lineup. A three-time All-Star, he produced a .272/.354/.516 batting line in his 601 plate appearances in 2024, hitting 28 homers and 34 doubles. While that production is more than enough for the hot corner, Devers has struggled defensively. He has led the American League in errors at third for seven consecutive seasons and has cost the Red Sox 80 runs at the position in his eight major league seasons.
Moving Devers from third would also create a domino effect on the roster. First baseman Tristan Casas is just 24 years old and has four more years of team control. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow made it clear that the Red Sox feel Casas is an important part of their future and is not on the trade block. Casas has also been competent defensively, making a position change less of a necessity.
The easiest path for Devers may also be the most painful financially. His defense is perfectly suited for the designated hitter role, allowing the Red Sox to keep his bat in the lineup. However, Masataka Yoshida, and the three years and $55.6 million left on his contract, are in the DH spot. Moving Devers to that role would require Yoshida to be traded or leave the Red Sox with an expensive player stuck on the bench.
Yoshida has been vocal about his displeasure at strictly being a designated hitter. He had just one inning in the outfield in 2024 and is a part of the Red Sox roster crunch – too many outfielders and left-handed hitters. While he has not asked for a trade, moving Yoshida may be best for both sides. The problem is finding someone willing to take on the remainder of his salary.
The bottom line is the Red Sox can’t make a position change with Devers without making another significant move elsewhere on the roster. It will be interesting to see how the team approaches the situation as the offseason unfolds.