BOSTON — In recent times, manager Alex Cora noted that the Red Sox were not planning to discuss the possibility of DH Rafael Devers moving to first base. However, it turns out that this discussion already took place. Devers revealed on Thursday that chief baseball officer Craig Breslow had approached him regarding this after Triston Casas suffered a season-ending injury. Casas tore his patellar tendon last Friday and had surgery on Sunday.

“They did talk to me,” Devers explained through translator Daveson Perez following the Red Sox’s 5-0 victory over the Rangers on Thursday. “Personally, I don’t believe it’s the best choice for me after being asked to switch positions and having only two months’ experience in this role. Suddenly being asked to play another position doesn’t seem wise from my perspective.”

Initially, Devers was unhappy when the Red Sox requested him to move from third base to DH after signing Alex Bregman. During a media session on February 17, Devers repeatedly expressed his reluctance to transition to DH. According to insiders, his frustration with the situation was significant enough that he considered requesting a trade.

Eventually, Devers agreed to comply with the Red Sox’s request. The 28-year-old began the 2025 season slowly, going hitless in his first 19 at-bats with 15 strikeouts across five games. Currently, he is batting .255 with a .379 on-base percentage, .455 slugging percentage, .834 OPS, six home runs, 11 doubles, 25 RBIs, 23 runs, 29 walks, and 46 strikeouts over 39 games (177 plate appearances).

“I know I’m a ballplayer, but they can’t expect me to play every position on the field,” Devers stated. “During spring training, they instructed me to put away my glove, saying I wouldn’t play any position other than DH. So now, I feel it’s inappropriate for them to ask me to play another position.” He added that the Red Sox “placed me in this situation.” “They told me they didn’t want me playing other positions,” Devers said.

“Now, I believe they should do their job and seek another player (to cover first base). I’m unsure why they want me in this uncertain position.” Since Casas’ injury, Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro have shared first base duties. When asked if he might reconsider, Devers replied, “No.” “I don’t think so,” Devers continued. “They told me I’m a bit stubborn.

They’ve already asked me to adapt once, and this time, I don’t think I can be as accommodating.” Asked if he was frustrated that the Red Sox broached the subject of first base with him, he responded, “Yes. I don’t think they’re keeping their promises. They said I’d be playing DH, and now they’re reversing that. So yes, I don’t feel they’re staying true to their word.” During spring training, Devers mentioned that the Red Sox assured him he’d be at third base for the long haul when he signed a 10-year, $313.5 million extension in January 2023.

He felt similarly back then when they asked him to switch to DH. On Thursday, when questioned about his rapport with the Red Sox, Devers said, “Fortunately, my relationship with my teammates in the clubhouse is excellent. I don’t quite understand some of the GM’s decisions. Next thing you know, if an outfielder gets injured, they might want me in the outfield. I am aware of the type of player I am. And that’s just where I stand.”