Three Red Sox Thoughts On Rafael Devers-First Base Theory

BOSTON — Rafael Devers is in the spotlight about his position again for the Red Sox.

Since Boston lost Triston Casas for the season last weekend, conversations rolled back around of having Devers take over at first base for the Red Sox.

There’s pros. There’s cons. But Alex Cora’s ballclub has to decide the solution soon to keep contending hopes alive in 2025.

Nearly a week into this dialogue, here are three thoughts to consider on this Red Sox possibility.

Projected Lineup
If nothing else is certain, Devers playing first base easily gives the Red Sox the best way to maximize the roster.

Here’s the likely option in the immediate future if Devers took over soon.

Lineup:
Jarren Duran, LF
Rafael Devers, 1B
Alex Bregman, 3B
Wilyer Abreu, RF
Kristian Campbell, 2B
Masataka Yoshida/Roman Anthony, DH
Trevor Story, SS
Carlos Narvaez, C
Ceddanne Rafaela, CF

Yoshida’s bat can still help the Red Sox if Devers makes this switch and maybe even free up enough at-bats to finally make the call down to Triple-A Worcester to get Anthony to the big leagues for the Red Sox.

Cora’s Updated Thoughts
The Red Sox manager took a hard stance against the idea on Tuesday. He still said no (for now) during his WEEI appearance Wednesday, but seemed to at least leave the door open down the line. How far down the line is yet to be known.

Cora did add some context to his thought process in Wednesday’s pregame press conference.

“Right now the most important thing is he’s very comfortable where he’s at,” Cora said. “We’re very comfortable with what he’s doing. His production is really good. Coming into the season, that was the red flag, right? Everybody was talking about, ‘Is he going to get used to it? Can he DH because he’s not playing third base? He needs to play third for him to hit.’ Well, no. He doesn’t need to play third base or first base to hit.”

“Obviously, things might change,” Cora added. “As of now, I think Toro and Gonzalez makes sense for us and let Raffy be Raffy. I’m very happy with the production.”

Worth The Move?
Devers did move to designated hitter when Alex Bregman signed with the Red Sox and there’s no question defense played a significant factor in that roster journey for Boston.

Would Devers benefit? Or would he struggle learning a new position?

The Red Sox should at least have him taking ground balls before games at first and see if those questions answer themselves, because his potential ability to move there could open up a new level for the lineup with maximum talent on a nightly basis.

If that’s what it takes to put the best team on the field for the Red Sox, do what it takes.