Alex Bregman reacts to Rafael Devers comments on not moving off third base
One day after Rafael Devers adamantly told reporters he would not move off third base if the Red Sox decided to move Alex Bregman there, Boston’s newest free agent addition offered his opinion on the situation.
“We’ve been having a lot of fun,” Bregman said Tuesday to reporters in Fort Myers. “We’ve been taking ground balls back here, doing our work together, talking about winning, talking about baseball. Excited for the season. Last night, we all got together and had dinner. It was great.”
Bregman made it a point to let the media know there is no animosity between his new teammate in Devers.
Devers was interviewed by the Red Sox media on Monday and was asked if he would move off third base for Bregman and flat-out said no. The Red Sox have not yet decided where Bregman will play this coming season, with both Alex Cora and Craig Breslow saying they would make that decision and announce it when it’s appropriate.
Boston has a few options for their infield alignment this season; they could play Devers at third base and Bregman at second base, or they could have Devers be the team’s primary designated hitter, slide Bregman to his natural position of third base, and let prospect Kristian Campbell play second base.
Bregman acknowledged that he expected Devers to want to play his regular position but didn’t sign with the Red Sox to be the club’s primary third baseman.
“I think everybody here believes in their abilities,” Bregman said. “I think all of us believe that if we all put together a good effort this season, we have a really good chance of being a winning baseball team. I can only talk for myself, but I’ll play wherever helps the team win.”
“I’m super excited to just be his teammate. He’s a great player. I think everybody in this clubhouse is worried about winning. Whatever it takes to help the team win, that’s all I’m focused on. I’ll play wherever A.C. (Alex Cora) tells me to play.”
Both players have been working out at third base since they’ve arrived at camp. Bregman has been impressed by Campbell, his locker mate down in Fort Myers.
“Incredible,” Bregman said. “Great person, hard worker. Obviously, (people) saw last year how special of a player he is.”
In the coming days to weeks, the situation around third base and who will play where will be sorted out. The Red Sox want to minimize this distraction and keep the team focused on getting ready for Opening Day in Texas.
I know it may not create any chaos, and in fact, dissipate the chaos, but in reality, Bregman couldn't have given a more textbook answer if he had written it out beforehand. I would feel the same way. I don't have any problem with a player wanting to play in front of me. I want to be around players who believe in their own abilities. Odds are, those players are very good players. So, let's just get ready for the season and see where we are as March 27 approaches. Let's revisit this on about March 21st or so. Go Red Sox