Kansas City, Mo. — Tensions flared within the Boston Red Sox organization as owner John Henry, CEO Sam Kennedy, and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow flew to Kansas City to address Rafael Devers’ recent remarks regarding his position on the field. Devers publicly expressed frustration about being asked to switch from his established role at third base to first base, which he deemed an unreasonable request from the team’s management.
In an effort to resolve the brewing controversy, Henry and manager Alex Cora held a private meeting with Devers before Friday’s game. Although none of the parties discussed the details publicly, Breslow later described the meeting as an “honest and candid exchange,” aimed at clarifying the values and expectations within the organization. He emphasized the team’s commitment to fostering open communication and teamwork.
Breslow acknowledged that misunderstandings can arise in any organization and expressed hope that their conversation would be a step towards a more cohesive atmosphere. “It’s crucial to communicate clearly and effectively,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of team unity in the midst of personal ambitions.
Devers’s concerns stemmed from Breslow’s inquiry about a potential shift to first base, which he felt had not been adequately communicated. The young slugger has previously stated his desire to remain at third base, a position he has occupied for most of his career. Despite this, he had indicated a willingness to adapt, saying he would do what the team required.
As the season progresses, the Red Sox find themselves with a first base dilemma. After Triston Casas, the regular starter, underwent knee surgery, the team has been scrambling for a solution. With the addition of Alex Bregman as an elite defensive third baseman, Devers had transitioned to designated hitter. However, his recent dissatisfaction with being asked to learn a new position has complicated matters.
The situation has also affected the playing time of key prospects. Opening the designated hitter spot could allow the team to utilize players like Masataka Yoshida or top prospects Roman Anthony or Marcelo Mayer, heightening the stakes surrounding Devers’s future position.
Players within the Red Sox locker room appear to be keeping their thoughts on the matter largely private, though shortstop Trevor Story hinted that discussions among teammates would occur. “We’re all adults and we’ll figure this out eventually. At the end of the day, it’s about winning games,” he said, suggesting a unified approach to resolving any lingering issues.
Moving forward, it remains unclear if the recent meeting between Henry, Cora, and Devers has set the stage for any positional changes. While Breslow alludes to the need for teammates to work collaboratively, the air remains thick with uncertainty. Fans will be watching closely to see how this unfolding drama impacts both the team’s dynamics and their performance on the field.