Rafael Devers refusing position switch after Alex Bregman signing in Red Sox mess

Fresh off the signing of star third baseman Alex Bregman, the Boston Red Sox could have an issue at the hot corner, as Rafael Devers made it clear Monday he had no intention of giving up the position.

Devers, 28, said he would not be the designated hitter (DH) in Boston, even if the team asked him to move to first base or become a DH.

“Third base is my position,’’ Devers said through an interpreter at Red Sox camp in Fort Myers, Fla. “That’s what I’ve played. I don’t know what their plans are. I know we had a conversation. I made it clear what my desires were, and yeah, whatever happens from here, I don’t know.”

Devers said the conversation took place Friday with manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. 

The Red Sox have a logjam at third in the wake of signing Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal. 

Cora indicated Friday that no decisions have been made regarding the infield alignment.

“He has a lot of pride,’’ Cora said of Devers. “We know that. He feels like he’s the third baseman. He’s going to work out as the third baseman. And we’re going to make decisions accordingly. Here, it’s not about Bregman or Devers or Cora. It’s for the Boston Red Sox. Whatever decision we make is going to be for the benefit of the team.”  

Devers has never started a game in the pros other than at third, while Bregman has started 107 in the majors at shortstop and two at second.

But Bregman is a far superior defensive third baseman than Devers.

Last year, Devers finished -9 defensive runs saved and a -2.6 WAR on defense, according to Fangraphs, while Bregman had six defensive runs saved and a defensive WAR of 8.1.  

Potentially further complicating matters for Boston is the fact top prospects Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer are on the way and may need spots in the infield soon.  

Devers is entering just the second season of a 10-year, $313.5 million contract he signed prior to 2024 and said Monday his defensive future was discussed at the time.

“It was definitely discussed when I signed that I [would] play the position for a long time,’’ Devers said of his spot at third. “I don’t know what caused the change, but I know I work really hard on defense.”

Even this past offseason, Cora and Breslow indicated Devers would remain at third, but that was before they swooped in and signed Bregman last week.

And Devers added he was caught off guard by the conversation about the possibility of switching places with Bregman.

“I was definitely surprised,’’ Devers said. “I’m someone who believes in people’s word and take it to heart. It’s very surprising that they would suggest that.”

Asked if he was “disappointed” they came to him with the suggestions, Devers said, “Since the beginning, I’ve known this is a business. I don’t think that was the right way to do business.”

And he insisted he wouldn’t move.

“It’s my decision,’’ Devers said. “My position is third base. Whatever it is they want to do is what they want to do. But my position is third base.”