How Red Sox Star Rafael Devers Feels About Move To DH

This season will be Rafael Devers’ ninth with the Red Sox, but he will embark on the 2025 campaign in somewhat unfamiliar territory.

After serving as Boston’s primary third baseman for nearly a decade, Devers will shift to designated hitter starting Thursday when the Red Sox visit the Texas Rangers for Opening Day. The hot corner will be occupied by Alex Bregman, the American League’s 2024 Gold Glove winner at third who Boston signed to a three-year deal last month.

While Devers previously made it very clear he wanted to stay at third base, the three-time All-Star still is laser-focused on having a good year in Boston.

“I’m ready to start the season. I’m feeling good,” Devers told WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford through translator Daveson Perez. “No difference (in preparing for at-bats as a DH). I have the same sequence that I always do to go out there and hit. Nothing changes. “I’m excited to get going. Spring training is way too long.”

Even if Devers wasn’t elated by the move to DH, he and other key members of the Red Sox have made it clear that his utmost priority is winning ballgames. And at the outset of a highly anticipated campaign, Alex Cora has deemed this new alignment gives Boston the best chance to have success.

The Red Sox’s first go-around with their new-look lineup will be Thursday afternoon, and fans can catch all of the action beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on NESN.