How Red Sox Newcomer Alex Bregman Reacted To Rafael Devers’ Remarks

Rafael Devers made his stance clear Monday that he wants to be the everyday starting third baseman this season for the Boston Red Sox even with Alex Bregman aboard.

Bregman, a two-time World Series champion, was unfazed, at least publicly, by Devers’ comments.

Bregman, who is less than a week into his Red Sox tenure, met with the media Tuesday afternoon to address the first conflict of spring training. And the veteran infielder hammered home the point that where he plays on the diamond isn’t his primary focus.

“I’m super excited to just be his teammate. He’s a great player,” Bregman told reporters, per WEEI’s Rob Bradford. “I think everybody in this clubhouse is worried about winning. And whatever it takes to help the team win, that’s all I’m focused on. I’ll player wherever A.C. (Alex Cora) tells me to play.”

Bregman played 995 games at third base in his career with the Houston Astros, while only suiting up at second just nine times. Despite the inexperience at the middle infield spot, he is seen as a fit to play second for the Red Sox, something Cora believes Bregman would excel at.

But it’s also logical for the Red Sox to keep Bregman at third base and move Devers off the hot corner. Bregman won a Gold Glove at third last season while Devers has racked up more errors than any active third baseman in the league. Bregman said the Red Sox gave him no assurances about where he would play when he signed a three-year deal worth a reported $120 million.

Bregman didn’t let on that Devers’ comments caused a rift between the two All-Star infielders. Bregman said their interactions have been “great” and they have gone through some drill work together.

Devers surely isn’t willing to just give up his position to Bregman. And Bregman can understand at least where Devers is coming from.

“I think everyone here believes in their abilities,” Bregman said. “And 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. For me, I can only talk for myself, but I’ll play wherever helps the team win.”