Rafael Devers’s role with the Red Sox has undergone a significant transformation since Alex Bregman joined the team on February 12. Once Boston’s primary third baseman since his MLB debut in 2017, Devers has now fully transitioned to the designated hitter role. Manager Alex Cora stated that Devers will not take the field, even if Bregman has an off day.

“Devers is the DH of the Boston Red Sox,” Cora told reporters before Friday’s matchup against the Rangers, as noted by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. Cora mentioned that Romy Gonzalez will serve as Bregman’s backup at third base this season.

Cotillo further clarified that the decision for Devers not to play in the field was made by the team and not due to any refusal on the player’s part. Before this season, Devers had played 951 games at third base and had been the designated hitter only 22 times before Opening Day. Until recently, both Cora and Devers recognized the player as the team’s third baseman. At the Fenway Fest on January 11, Cora emphatically identified Devers’s position to NESN’s Tom Caron.

“Raffy Devers is our third baseman,” Cora stated. “Alex was a Gold Glover at third base, and we all know that. … I always thought of Alex as a Gold Glove second baseman.” However, on February 17, shortly after Bregman signed with Boston, Devers dismissed the notion of becoming the team’s designated hitter. “Third base is my position,” Devers asserted during spring training. “It’s what I’ve played. I don’t know what their plans are.

We’ve had a conversation, and I made my preferences clear, but whatever happens from here, I’m not sure.” Less than a month later, his position shifted. Devers expressed his willingness to comply with the team’s requests. “We’ve already talked, and I’m ready to do whatever they need,” Devers said. “I’m here to help. I’ve already discussed this with them, and they know my position, but I’m prepared to play.” There is room to question whether Devers is entirely content with his new role this season.

He has consistently mentioned that he extended his contract with Boston to remain a third baseman throughout its duration. He even practiced at the position alongside Bregman well into spring training. According to Cotillo, Devers has been taking ground balls before each of the Red Sox’s games in Texas.

It’s a complicated scenario considering Cora noted two months ago that Bregman could have played second base, allowing Devers to remain at third. However, Boston was sufficiently impressed with Kristian Campbell’s performance in the minor leagues last season and in spring training, which led the organization to include him on the Opening Day roster starting at second base, placing Bregman at third and Devers as the designated hitter.

These decisions undeniably strengthen the team’s offensive and defensive capabilities on paper compared to last season. The additions of Bregman and Campbell, along with Devers focusing solely on batting, enhance the team. It’s a risky yet potentially rewarding strategy, but the Red Sox appear willing to take these steps to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. This approach may be messy, but it’s certainly a path they’re choosing.