As spring training kicked off for the Boston Red Sox, the atmosphere surrounding the team took a brief negative turn, mainly due to the uncertainty around the infield positions, specifically regarding Rafael Devers, Alex Bregman, and the second-base job. The question was whether the Red Sox would move Devers from third base to DH to accommodate Bregman at third for a defensive upgrade, or if Devers would remain at his familiar position, leaving Bregman to take over at second base, with Kristian Campbell, a top prospect, possibly making his MLB debut there.
Devers quickly ended the speculation by firmly stating that he would not entertain a move to DH and would remain the third baseman. This led to a flurry of discussion in the media, with many speculating about the future of Devers, the dynamic in the clubhouse, and how manager Alex Cora would navigate the situation. Red Sox fans found themselves divided over the best course of action, and the media added fuel to the fire, painting a picture of brewing tension.
However, Vaughn Grissom, an infielder acquired by the Red Sox in the Chris Sale trade, dismissed the drama surrounding the team. Grissom downplayed the situation, stating that while things might have been taken out of context by the media, the vibe in the clubhouse remained positive. “It’s fine. When you know these guys you know what they actually mean and where their hearts are coming from,” Grissom explained, emphasizing that the situation was not as chaotic as it appeared. He pointed out that in the media world, things can be blown out of proportion, but within the team, everyone was on good terms, and there was no tension.
Grissom’s comments are backed up by reports from other sources. Manager Alex Cora mentioned that Devers had attended a team gathering and was in high spirits, and Bregman was seen working at second base during infield drills, a sign that the team was experimenting with various lineups and positions during spring training. It’s typical for teams to try out different combinations during this time to assess players’ versatility and ensure the best possible lineup for the season.
While there’s still potential for drama if Devers is asked to move off third base, especially given his pride and the size of his contract, it seems that the current situation is being blown out of proportion. The real issue facing the Red Sox is not infighting or position battles, but rather how to fit all their talented players into the nine spots available in the lineup. This is a “good problem” for a team to have, and one that Boston hasn’t had in recent years.
Grissom’s approach to the situation is simple: focus on his own performance and let the team sort out the rest. Fans would do well to adopt a similar mindset and trust that the Red Sox have the right leadership and talent to make the best decisions for the team.