Red Sox’s Rafael Devers Sets Record Straight After Blunt Remarks

Alex Cora and Alex Bregman both were not concerned about the attention the Red Sox received after Rafael Devers recently spoke his mind.

The three-time All-Star feels the same way.

Upon reporting to Fort Myers, Fla., for Boston’s spring training, Devers made his preference for his role with the 2025 club abundantly clear. The 2018 World Series champion wants to stay at third base, and he’s not interested in taking on a new position full-time.

Tuesday provided Devers with his first opportunity to speak with the media about those remarks, which took on a life of their own.

“I feel like I said everything I needed to say that day,” Devers told reporters through translator Daveson Perez, per MassLive. “I still feel the same way.

“I’m not frustrated. I don’t have the need to be frustrated about anything with anybody … My family is good. My kids are good. I have no reason to be frustrated about anything. I don’t listen to what’s said. I don’t pay attention to what is said. I just know what I’m capable of. I’m happy being this way.”

Devers added: “I really don’t know why this is becoming such a big story. We’re a team and we communicate with each other. I think the most important thing is for us to have good chemistry together. Like I’ve always said since Day 1, the most important thing for me is that we win. That’s where I stand.”

The 28-year-old also noted he maintains a good relationship with Cora and feels comfortable speaking candidly with the Red Sox manager. As for his commitment to third base, Devers expressed confidence in his abilities and stressed it was not “a big deal” to vocalize a passion for his position.

As Craig Breslow mentioned Sunday, position battles and lineup decisions tend to work themselves out. And it seems like Devers, Bregman and the rest of the Red Sox will be committed to moving forward as one once Cora irons things out.