As the Red Sox began a series with the Royals yesterday, Sox owner John Henry, team CEO Sam Kennedy, and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow all flew to Kansas City in response to Rafael Devers’ comments on Thursday about his refusal to play first base, and his displeasure with what the slugger felt was an unreasonable series of requests from upper management. Henry and manager Alex Cora (with Kennedy and Breslow not present) met with Devers privately prior to Friday’s game for a lengthy meeting that, in theory, helped clear the air about what has become a public controversy.
None of Devers, Henry, or Cora commented about the meeting, but Breslow told reporters (including The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey) that Henry said an “honest and candid exchange” took place about the situation. The intent, as per Breslow, was to have “an honest conversation about what we value as an organization and what we believe is important to the Boston Red Sox and that is being great teammates for each other. And so we think we had a productive conversation. John seems to have had a productive conversation. And that’s where things stand right now.”
In a follow-up about what Breslow considered a great teammate, he answered “I think it’s No. 1, being honest and open with communication. I think it is recognizing when there’s an opportunity to step up, when there’s a need for the group to be in front of any individual achievement or accomplishment. And I think it’s important that that gets reinforced given what we’re hoping to accomplish.”
Devers said Thursday that he took issue with Breslow recently asking about a position change to first base, and the two parties haven’t yet spoken since Devers went public with his frustrations. Though Breslow said his conversation with Devers was more “exploratory” in nature about a possible move to first base, the CBO took some responsibility for the awkward situation.
“My reaction was there potentially was some misunderstanding on the communication or an opportunity to more clearly provide communication,” Breslow said. “And so hopefully that was a step in the right direction here today….Obviously, it’s unfortunate that we’re in the situation that we are right now. But as you approach every decision, you try to provide as much clear communication as possible. It’s my job to always put the priorities of the organization first. But I should also be evaluating every interaction I have with players and I’ll continue to do that.”
More will be known if or when Devers himself comments on the meeting, and it isn’t likely that Henry (who rarely speaks with the media) will issue a comment. As McCaffrey noted, however, the fact that Henry felt the need to personally travel to Kansas City and meet with Devers directly was a very public statement in its own right, and underscored the “unusual” nature of what has become a major subplot of Boston’s season.
After spending his first eight seasons as the Red Sox third baseman, Devers has become a full-time DH this season in order to accommodate Alex Bregman (a much better defensive player) at the hot corner. Devers has long expressed his preference to remain at third base and even continued this stance after Bregman was signed, though he eventually stated that he was “good to do whatever they want me to do.” After a slow start at the plate, Devers has been crushing the ball over the last couple of weeks, seemingly settling in nicely to his new designated hitter role.
Triston Casas began the season as the everyday first baseman, but since Casas’ 2025 campaign has now likely been ended by a knee surgery, Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro have been handling the position. Moving Devers to first base seemed like a possible answer to the first base problem, as opening up the DH spot would’ve also allowed the Red Sox to find a spot for Masataka Yoshida (currently on the injured list) or for top prospects Roman Anthony or Marcelo Mayer. After being asked to change positions once, however, Devers has balked at learning a new position on the fly, and was quite openly frustrated over now being asked to become a first baseman after being told that he would only be a DH in 2025.
It remains to be seen what next steps might be taken, or whether or not Friday’s meeting might have laid some groundwork for Devers to eventually move to first base after all. Given how Breslow mentioned the concept of teammate behavior, it is worth noting that the other Red Sox players seem to be staying quiet about the situation for now.
“We will talk about it. Obviously, things are fresh and a little emotional right now, but yeah, we will do it,” Trevor Story told MLB.com’s Jackson Stone. “And like I said, we’re all adults and we’ll figure this thing out eventually. One way or another, it’s about winning games and I think everyone can agree on that.”
I understand Devers view, but if it was an honest conversation, then he has to ask himself why is the organization afraid to talk with him about potential changes beforehand, and why is he then discussing private conversations with the media. Could he related. They don’t trust him anymore than he does them.
The whole thing seems more like an attempt to apply pressure to Devers than to appeal to him. They make big deal out of flying out the brass and making sure the press know. Throw in Breslow’s quotes about what makes a great teammate and, yeah, Devers got ambushed.
Ambushed? You don’t know that
Henry came out to settle matters in the way he sees fit. It wasn’t an “us versus him” meeting. I’m sure of it.
It was “we’re all US and let’s move forward successfully as a unit.”
Gary — You believe the good in people but you mistakenly apply that to corporate leaders.
Whatever Breslow said means nothing because he wasn’t in the meeting. His statements are a cover to shift the blame onto Devers if this situation continues. It looks like good faith but it is a cover to say whatever inside the meeting without consequences because others believe people aren’t that duplicitous.
Cleveland not necessary the good in people. I’m believing in his skill as a businessman.
That’s what the brass wanted to convey to Devers as only Henry, Cora, and Devers were present in their meeting. But why was Kennedy and Breslow also in KC? In case crap hits the fan and they need to figure out quickly further damage control of their franchise player.
There are things about how to run a workplace where Boomers can learn from some of the youngsters – but there are also things that the youngsters should work towards listening to the folks that grew up in a different era as well. Plus, playing a professional sport is not like working at Home Depot.
I am sure that the organization could have handled things better, however Devers is just acting like a big baby and probably creates a lot of his own drama with his entitled nonsense.
In the clubhouse, there is no way that this is going down well. And again – plenty of examples of stars and non-stars that simply do what they can to help the team win. Period. Where the RS messed up was in making a guy that showed all of these signs beforehand to that deal – he was the last guy that they should have paid big $$. Grow the heck up kid.
Gary – The meeting was a farce.
They tried making it look like Devers was being a bad teammate, tried making him feel guilty.
Their goal was not to have an open and honest dialogue and work toward a resolution.
If it was, they would have acknowledged that deceiving and lying to Devers THREE TIMES (when the extension was signed, this past offseason, and the end of ST) was wrong and they shouldn’t have done it.
Nearly EVERYONE except Sox ownership and management has acknowledged how badly the organization has handled his situation the past 6 months.
Trevor Story was asked point-blank last night how he felt about the situation. He answered appropriately, stating it wouldn’t be right to get involved as he doesn’t know every detail that occurred between all parties.
Even Red Sox employees like Tom Caron and Jim Rice spoke about Raffy’s justification in feeling the way he does.
For the good of all parties, Devers should be traded.
Fever, this one I’ve got to disagree with you on. Devers made his own choice to mouth off to the media, including this past time in front of disapproving teammates where one vet even tried to get him to just shut up.
Plenty of other players go through these things and don’t act out like this.
Gary — Skill as a businessman?? What is he closing a deal? No, he’s gone to yell at his overpriced talent because he just got all the leverage he needed after the fans ate up the media barrage. This is probably a continuation of the same practices his subordinates started. It’s classic carrot and stick.
I think part of being a good businessman is having the ability to deal with people. In fact, that’s a major part of the whole thing.
But I understand your point.
The Red Sox gave Devers crap and he is giving them crap back. It is pretty simple I think. Do people here really take crap from others and not respond? Yes, breaking a promise to Devers is giving him crap no matter how much he is paid. Hopefully, both sides are done acting badly and we move on. I think this sums up my view on this situation.
Yes – White Sox – Vaughn, Robert, and Leasure for Devers, Hamilton, and Abreu.
Nobody is going to give the Saux anything near that contract’s value.
I also disagree with you. Devers is not being a team guy. The writing was on the wall when Casas went down. Everyone and his brother knew Devers would be the best option…FOR THE TEAM…to pick up a glove and go out to 1st base. He’s a highly paid, professional baseball player. He’s good enough to do it too.
Go talk to Javy Baez. There’s a guy who did what he needed to do to help his team….and he’s a key reason the Tigers are the best team in the A.L. so far.
I’m sorry but comparing Devers to Baez is dumb. Baez lost his job because he sucked. Devers hasn’t remotely fallen that far, he’s still a premier hitter.
Oh no, no, no. Baez was a SS. He knew he wasn’t producing. Like Devers, he has a huge, guaranteed contract. He didn’t have anything to gain by moving to a new position. He was going to get paid no matter how bad he hit. The Tigers got Sweeney in a trade and almost immediately put him in Baez’s SS spot. He didn’t complain. He went to the bench, platooned, pinch hit and played late inning defense when called upon. Again, no drama.
But the Tigers said we need you to have some versatility. He has played a little 3rd and 2nd base, so they asked him to go out there and give it a try. However, I don’t think he actually played any 2nd as a Tiger and didn’t in ST.
The CF thing was an experiment for both sides. Baez didn’t whine. He didn’t pout. He went out there and gave it his best shot. It turns out he’s a damn good CF’er…AND…he likes it. In addition, he’s found a new approach at the plate and is producing. Nope…he’s not hitting in the top of the order anymore. He didn’t whine about that either. He took his medicine. He’s beloved in Detroit now. His manager and teammates all rave about him.
Javy Baez is a professional. He did what needed to be done for his team.
Yeah you can’t complain when you suck for three seasons and the team replaces you. You of course have to be humble for failing to reach the minimum expectations.
Devers hasn’t fallen on hard times like Baez did where his legacy was in complete shambles. Funny thing is that Baez is desperate to be relevant, still supported by an inflated BABIP so how long is this really going to last.
Then how about veteran Jose Altuve voluntarily moving to left field to help the team and voluntarily moving from the leadoff spot to number two to help the team? I know you probably hate Altuve, but the principle is still true.
Another good example. Thumbs up.
If one doesn’t properly perform upto “business standards” they either get transferred, demoted or fired. Rafael Devers is an employee, a VERY VERY VERY well paid employee. His job description is to try to help the TEAM win to the BEST of his ability. That includes attempting a position change, if it’s in the BEST INTEREST of the TEAM.
Gary,
It wasn’t an “us versus him” meeting? You don’t know that.
Do you mean Altuve asking to be moved from leadoff because he can’t get his old legs from LF to the dugout in time to get ready to bat? That’s not taking one for the team. That’s not admitting you need to retire.
Devers is being a bad teammate. The front office also being dysfunctional doesn’t completely let him off the hook for not showing up to help his own team.
He’s a franchise player, he should act like one. $300mm comes with a higher standard.
I would eat so much crap for someone if they paid me 300 million dollars, yes. Sign me up!
It’s also possible they all jumped on a plane to have a group discussion but then felt it could turn into an ambush if it went poorly and decided on a one on one meeting with Cora as a translator.
Fever, we again disagree (are we married?). They had to plan and when he signed he was the third baseman, then they didn’t know if they were getting another third baseman until Bregman signed. Only Derek Jeter seems to be exempt from trading positions. I’m picturing Yaz moving for Rice when at the time he was still better in left. It made the team better and baseball is a team sport. Not to be disrespectful to Aaron Judge who clearly is the best today but he hasn’t gotten a ring yet and that’s what it’s about.
Javier Baez was not the professional two years ago that he is now. He was moved down the lineup and sulked on the field and on the basepaths. He made some poor plays and was an easy out after he got on base. He had other issues as well. Now, he seems to have grown up some.
And he isn’t a guy known historically for being a total professional. Good on him for sucking it up.
They did appeal to him in the form of a giant over pay.
Oh no the big bad boys didnt liked that something that was supposedly to be private was turned quite public because Devers threw another tantrum…
I mean they didnt asked him to play for the A ball team, they asked him to play in a position that right now is in need for the team.
Ambushed? If it was someone not as important to the team and could be even end up being DFAd… a talk with the brass is quite a small “punishment”
Ambushed? It was the right thing to do to meet face to face. Feels like neither side can do anything right for some. The Sox handled this terribly out of the gate, Devers not much better. Hopefully they can make it work.
LOL… they already talked this week and Devers put it out there in the media first.
Really good point. Their actions don’t really align with their words. It’s true they don’t technically owe him anything not in his contract but that doesn’t mean Boston is handling this respectfully either. Instead of assuming Devers resistance to change is unique perhaps Boston’s approach is what’s unique and behind the abnormal tension and bubbling animosity?
dejota – Excellent post!
John Henry didn’t become a billionaire by being a nice, respectful man of integrity. And everyone below him (Kennedy, Cora, Breslow) will toe the line because they value their jobs.
Gotta keep in mind, Raffy is only 28 ….. he has never had to deal with something like this, while ownership and management are old pros at taking advantage of people below them and making them look like the bad guy.
The “don’t be a bad teammate” lecture is right out of the management playbook.. When it comes to players, divide and conquer. That’s how you control them.
I’ve said over and over, there’s a right way to do things and a wrong way. But like John Henry said in Moneyball, (paraphrasing) when you’re the owner you can get away with whatever you want and what everyone else wants doesn’t matter. Raffy hasn’t learned that yet, but I respect him for standing up for himself and I’m sure his family and friends do as well.
LordD — The Red Sox are afraid of Devers speaking to the media???? Are you joking? They are laughing at him, mocking him. They got exactly what they needed to walk into that conversation. And you’re saying they’ve been afraid to talk to him? Yeah, they might’ve been before because they didn’t have the leverage over him as they know they are trying to pull another one over him.
When I participated in sports growing up the manager or coach posted the position I was playing or the distance I was running. A player at this level and making this kind of money playing a team sport should do what’s been for the team like the rest of us did.
Yeah every kid did because the coach held all the power, especially if you wanted to play everyday.
Devers plays in the MLB and gets paid. It’s always business first. Winning comes second. So how is your situation the same? You might’ve asked how high when the coach told you to jump, but why should a player who has been in the league for 8 years and isn’t under the teams thumb anymore listen? It’s not an apples to apples comp.
No matter how much you think he should do what’s best for the team. The team and Devers have to collaborate if what you want gets done.
They did talk to him. Read Dever’s interview earlier this week.
If I were his teammate, I would have a hard time dealing with him in the locker room, you do what is best for the team to win games.
His defense is dog$hit. Keeping him off the field IS what’s best for the team
GM’s do (what they think) is best for the team
Having a player refusing to do whats best for the team and caring more about ME than TEAM says something
This would be like if mookie betts refused to play in the infield, but he cares about winning at all costs and he got rewarded with a championship
Mango – Just curious, why do you think that?
When former players like Merloni and Youk go on record as saying Devers would make a great first baseman – in fact the “best defensive first baseman the Red Sox have had in 5 years” – and they give detailed explanations why, please explain why you would disagree with those experts who have made the transition from third to first and who have no particularly close ties with Raffy.
I have yet to see ANYONE here who has even made an attempt to refute what the experts have stated.
Fever – none of that matters when devers REFUSES to help the team by being a 1B out of this selfishness/brooding/misplaced pride..
The current dust up is *because* breslow asked devers, privately, in a no pressure setting if he would *try* being a 1B – not even ordering him to
I’ve watched him play. He’s a butcher. Let him hit and find a first baseman
I just feel like making a POST where I capitalize one word for emphasis. Looks fin.
*fun
Seriously! He’s starting to rake. Leave him at DH.
Do his teammates really want him learning a new position mid-season though? Is that the best for the team?
If leadership thinks he can do it then he can at least try it out
And if he becomes the worst 1st baseman of all time then it’s leaderships fault
I wonder how many teammates are giving Devers the cold stare right now.
Just the ones who’ve never seen him play defense
He’s a much better defender than Big Papi ever was….and he’s not as good a DH as Big Papi either.
Go pick up a glove and take some grounders.
You can’t be serious, or, you haven’t watched both play.
Papi had an ops below .900 only 3 seasons with the red Sox. Devers barely exceeded an ops of .900 *once*
Papi had numerous seasons above 1.000 ops as well.
You didn’t read my post. I said Big Papi is a better hitter than Raffy. Raffy is a better defender than Papi. Raffy should give 1B a shot. I bet he’d do just fine,
Or, just hear me out on this one, maybe the Boston Red Sox can actually go out and get a player who actually plays the position?. Instead of insisting every player must play out of position? Need a first baseman? Sign a first baseman.
Lloyd – How did the players respond when Raffy said in ST he refused to DH?
Projecting your personal feelings of Raffy onto the players view of him is kinda silly, don’t you think?
Well, considering I’m a fan of Devers, your interpretation of my comment is kinda silly.
When Devers first refused to move off third base his teammate, Duran, showed up on MLB Networks indepth Spring Training look-in (I forget what they called it this year but it used to be 30Teams in 39 Days) wearing a Devers Tshirt!!!
Players nowadays are all independent subcontractors. They play for themselves. As a matter of fact, they’re often yold to “not look in each other’s wallets”. They don’t really care all that much if he does or doesn’t, I guarantee
I’ve never seen a Superstar treated with more disrespect than the way the Red Sox have been treating Devers this season.
LOL !!!!
I’m sorry you’ve never been properly led. Anyone who understands leadership knows this has been a complete failure and disrespectful behavior by the Red Sox organization
Drasco, leadership means getting in the trenches and doing it first. However John Henry can relay that message to Devers would be instrumental in bridging the gap here.
I’m sure if Henry is any good at business, the Red Sox will come out smelling like roses when the dust settles.
What that looks like I don’t know, but a billionaire executive should know exactly how to handle this.
Gary – If by “smelling like roses” you mean there will be a portion of the fanbase who will turn on Raffy and a larger portion who will continue to support the Red Sox?
Well yeah, of course.
I for one can’t stand how badly Raffy was treated …. just like Mookie, and Xander, and Lester, and Bronson, and Boggs, and Clemens, and Fisk, and countless other players.
But no owner or manager is gonna keep me from supporting the TEAM (players) that I’ve loved for half a century.
And yes, John Henry and FSG and Redbird all know that.
Fever, it seems like I’m in the minority thinking that John Henry traveled to meet with Devers to help facilitate some sort of peace.
I don’t know what that looks like or how he will accomplish it, but I think that was the goal. Most others think Henry came with other intentions.
FPG- totally agree! The Red Sox have a bad reputation for how they treat their players. It hurts them in the dealings between players and Front Office, and, it hurts them with their dealings with free agents.
You can add JD Martinez and Teoscar Hernandez to your list.
Most importantly, don’t forget how some “analyst” treated Jim Rice just a few weeks ago!!!!!
lol what about superstars that get surprised traded? (Luka) that is way worse than being asked to move positions to help the team out.
Rafael is that you ?
I wouldn’t exactly call devers a superstar either
Yeah, superstar is top 10-15 in the league in my opinion. He’s just a good hitter. Basically the same level as Schwarber.
Who, by the way, at least tried to play a little 1B
Devers IMO ranks below (in no particular order) bregman, canpbell, Duran, abreu, and, is the offensive equivalent of Rafaela – one can hit and not field, one can field and not hit, both roughly to the same War. And shortly it wouldn’t surprise me to see devers surpassed by one or both of Anthony and Casas in production.
Dooper – So you’re saying Ortiz wasn’t a superstar?
I’m not necessarily disagreeing as it’s all a matter of personal opinion, but David Ortiz was widely viewed as a superstar and all he did was hit … when he wasn’t failing drug tests, raging in the dugout by smashing telephones, etc.
GaSox – Raffy is the offensive equivalent of Rafaela?
I’m not gonna even touch that or the others my friend ;O)
Yep. Did you read the words that followed: one can hit and not field (thats raffy) and one can field and not hit (that’s rafaela) both roughly to the same War.
Not sure how that’s confusing unless you skim read and didn’t pick up on one player has bat value and one has glove value, but both roughly the same war value to the team
GaSox – No worries my friend, if you think Rafaela right now has more value than Devers right now that’s your prerogative.
The wording “offensive equivalent” means same offense for both, I think what you were trying to get at is “talent equivalent” or “value equivalent”.
All good though, it’s Saturday so I have to leave this Devers hate-fest for now. Let’s hope Crochet can man-up and give more than 5 innings this time. I believe the Sox will win tonight, looking forward to it!
GA – you can throw WAR and bWAR and all tge other stats at us all you want. In the last five years, game on the line, men on base, who did you want at the plate?
The NBA now uses a “Clutch” statistic. I would take that over WAR every day of the week!
For the last five years Devers carried the club. For the last 12 years he’s been a good employee and teammate. So, what your saying is….he’s completely changed and the Front Office, who’s only been here a year are the honest brokers??? Doesn’t pass the sniff test IMO
Actually, devers never was clutch the way papi was. A healthy chunk of devers stats come.in low pressure situations.
In prior seasons, I’d actually have hoped for other guys, such as JDM for example, to come to the plate if you’re bring 12 years into this.
But no, I did not hope for devers with the game on the line
@fpg. Statistically, no. But he had the personality and playoff resume to raise him star level. Devers doesn’t have the other facets.plus he was a major piece in the championship teams.
And getting busted for drunk driving.
That’s a joke, right? He should be doing whatever he can to help the team win. He has brought this upon himself.
Okay Mr and Mrs Lack of critical thinking skills, let’s put this into perspective:
The Red Sox signed Devers to a 300 million dollar deal, making him a career Red Sox/face of the franchise, to play THIRD BASE.
Then, without discussion, they signed away his position to a guy who literally opt out after every season of his contract. Clearly, Devers was not asked about it and he not okay with moving off of third.
The move obviously affected Devers negatively, going 0-24 to start the season.
Then, a guy gets hurt and the Red Sox ask Devers to play first. A position he’s never played before and wasn’t comfortable with.
Then, instead of doing what good leaders do, nip it in the bud and keep decisions in-house, they allow Devers to face questioning about moving to first. A leader says something along the lines of, “that is something we have discussed in house but WE really think, what is best if the TEAM is to keep Devers at DH.”
That is how you treat ANY player.
Lastly, Devers wasn’t forced off position by a prospect nor is Bregman some type of generational talent. Bregman was a 4.1 WAR player last season, Devers was a 3.7 WAR player. Yes, Bregman is a better third baseman but that doesn’t justify blindsiding your franchise player.
Superstar? lol
Darren – Yeah Devers is a nobody, John Henry just decided to overpay him $280M out of the goodness of his heart.
Gotta love it …..
Let’s just ignore the fact he recently turned 28 and already has 206 HR, 664 RBI, 8,275 innings at 3B, and an .854 OPS in his MLB career.
Yep, just an average player.
No one called him an average player but he’s certainly not a superstar.
He hasn’t even finished a season in the top 10 for MVP voting.
Everything you post sounds like a second grader wrote it.
I’m gonna pass on seeing more.
Drasco, Devers is the employee. If Cora had a spine, he’d throw Casas’ first base glove at Raffy and say “Here. Go play first.” I have read enough about these entitled athletes. The guy’s making almost 30 MM a year. Suck it up.
I’ve never seen this degree of coddling a player in all of my years.
Even with the third base thing and the sensitivity of dealing with the incumbent. Ridiculous.
But of course, I’m not surprised. The world is different today. Just take a trip to the grocery store and the candy aisle or the toy aisle and there’s a good chance you’ll see a kid or two screaming or rolling around on the ground.
It’s what we have become and here is the manifestation as these kids become adults.
Bro you support Draymond Green. C’mon, I’ve seen you on hoopsrumors.
As with many who disagree just to disagree, you have no clue.
I’ve wanted Greymond on the first plane out of town for 2 years.
My question for you is, why would you misrepresent a man’s position like that?
I apologize if I’m not remembering properly but I could’ve sworn I’ve seen you justifying his antics over on hoopsrumors. My larger point remains – you have seen a player coddled more than this – Green. I hope this doesn’t come across as a nonapology – I fully admit I assumed and can’t easily think of a quote from you about Green.
No offense taken, but I thought I would stick up for myself. I do appreciate you backpedaling for the overall good. Thumbs up !!
Green is such a clown. I wanted him gone at the trading deadline when all the Durant to the Warriors was in the headlines.
Would’ve been Butler to the Suns, Greymond to the Suns and Durant to the Warriors and picks to the heat with Wiggins, etc.
Believe me as a basketball fan I just can’t stand his garbage. But I’m still a homer and a warrior fan but wow, there has to be another way, lol.
I can’t wait to see what he does tonight lol !!
But you’re probably right. I probably wrote something in his defense, but it definitely wasn’t for his karate chops or groin kicks !!
Last point sorry to labor this. But just this week I wrote that green should’ve received the second technical for yelling and profanity at the ref the last game.
Kick the guy out send him home. There’s no other way to treat a child and have them feel the pain. Or else he’ll just keep on doing what he does.
Stick to baseball, you know nothing about basketball. The warriors don’t win a single ring without Dray
Personally, I’m thinking Henry should have said something like, “We are trying to run a professional baseball team here in Boston, not a daycare for multi millionaires”
Spot on!
John Henry asked Devers what he should get his assistant for her birthday.
A bowling ball for all he cares
Raffy gotta stop being a little b*tch and do what’s needed for the team. That being said, I don’t even think he’d be good a first. I’d ask Trevor Story to move over and call up Mayer.
I’m sure the situation is patched up nicely now that Skeletor has made his appearance..
I don’t see his point. Anybody who gets a job is subject to doing what the owners and management tell them to do. He is acting like a baby. I would have an issue with him as a teammate; you do what is best for the team, and you do your best to win games.
I understand and respect Devers position, but whining to the press is not the way to go about it.
Red Sox fans seem to love to hate on Henry but him flying to talk man to man with Devers shows he is engaged.
This team is too good on paper to be having these distractions. If they can squash it and move forward they’ll be stronger for it.
He didn’t whine to the press, they asked him a question and he answered it
You don’t air your dirty laundry in the press. You just don’t Ever do that.
This guy needs to be benched for about a month to adjust his attitude.
That would be the absolutely wrong thing to do. Ridiculous and does neither the team nor the player any good.
As time goes by I’m *almost* growing to like the ludicrous idea some other posters had here of throwing devers on waivers and sending him to aaa.
Three outcomes:
1) another team absorbs his full salary
2) nobody takes him and he refuses the assignment, forfeiting the contract
3) he wants his money and learns some humility in AAA where you assign him to play 1B
With the log jam Boston has, none of those are really bad outcomes, especially freeing up 30m a year. Makes it easier to rebuild value in yoshida hitting at DH, or, bringing Anthony up to rotate a 4 man OF
2 and 3 save you no money as he is under guaranteed contract and gets his money whether he is in the majors or minors or chucking peanuts to the fans.
2 means he goes to another team while the red sox pays him to do it minus league minimum
3 i dont think will matter to him based on how he brought this out in the media and you lose a big bat in the lineup.
False.
If he’s claimed on waivers, the claiming team assumes full salary.
If devers refuses the optional assignment he forfeits full salary, the contract is voided and he becomes a FA.
Only by accepting an assignment to AAA do the sox pay anything, and, there he can learn 1B then be recalled.
The only time a team keeps paying and a new team pays prorated league minimum is if you outright release the player. If you try to option him to aaa and he refuses, he loses everything. Read the rules a little closer.
You need to look up what guaranteed contracts mean for MLB. Don’t you think the yankees would have released stroman if it was that easy or how about aaron hicks who was released by the yankees and beat them up when he went to the orioles.
He is not arbitration eligible and has no option at minimum due to service time and thats before the GUARANTEED contract so none of 2 or 3 would apply to his salary excluding league minimum. Also he would also have to accept the optional assignment which he wont because then he could go play anywhere he wants including the yankees (that could definitely use a league minimum 3b even bad one) to stick it to the sox because of this.
Go read closer. Every mlb contract is guaranteed.
Veterans beyond 5 years are optioned to aaa all the time. The only thing you’ve got right so far is that it requires consent.
BUT if the veteran does not consent, that veteran has the right to elect free agency and forfeit his contract.
The goal is to either see devers leave for another team of devers’ choice, choosing to be a FA instead while forfeiting the salary, or, be in aaa learning to play 1b. If another team wants to claim the whole contract so be it.
You’re focused, in error, on the concept of release. Nowhere did I propose releasing devers unilaterally. Many times a team simply doesn’t want the guy in any capacity (cite to hosmer for example) and cuts their losses via release.
You are proposing an option to the minors which after 5 years of service time does not apply. After 5 years of service time or using up optional years you must be DFA to remove from even active roster. I would like you to point out one example of someone on 5 years of service time and on a guaranteed contract got “optioned” and upon refusing lost his salary. Because “Veterans beyond 5 years are optioned to aaa all the time.” so shouldnt be hard to find.
Also not all mlb contracts are guaranteed just look up JD Davis and giants as an example.
If he’s in AAA his salary doesn’t count toward the tax, because he’s not on the 40-man.
@bright
they changed that a few years back in a recent CBA. Its why was it moncada or castillo (i always get those two confused) never saw the light of day with the sox.
I think Devers will pass through waivers. No one will take that contract.
However, if he refuses the assignment to AAA he cannot be sent there unless the team still has minor league options on him. I don’t know, but I suspect that they don’t.
he would have to be DFA to be taken off the 40 man which unless claimed or traded by another team they would 100% be counting against the sox’s tax number
Heck Eric Hosmer is still being paid and is hitting the cap and he isnt on the 40 man and hasnt played in about 2 years this month.
lmao Sure thing, slugger!
Red Sox have a plethora of FA first base options. Cue up the video of Dom Smith seamlessly helping the RS while Casas delt with his rib injury.
Not Raffy’s job to run the front office. Breslow should have been on the phone before Casas reached the hospital.
Dude, I’m paid to hit, Not solve your poor roster construction.
Though you have an opinion opposed to mine, these are very valid points. I would be on board with this if it shakes out this way. No problem.
Find a first baseman from outside the organization if you don’t have a suitable replacement in house.
I mean is it really such a crazy thought that maybe he should have had a decent first base backup considering how many injuries Casas has had in such a short time?
The crazy thing is that they didn’t have Devers play some first base in spring training. That’s the obvious guy to play there if Casas goes down.
he was paid very well to be a capable third baseman with a good bat to be the face of the franchise but he has only done one to this point. They gave him every opportunity to be a capable third baseman had to move him off third because he is definitely not one. A DH only player does not make 30M a year unless you are also a pitcher. They also expected growth as pretty much every job does especially when they hire someone young. IMO and probably managements perspective he has not done either. At best he has maintained but the strikeouts and average have dropped off since he signed the contract. So no he is not doing his job either.
Your right it is the front office’s job to run the TEAM its not the Boston Devers. Which for the team you explore all options to improve the team and there should be no problem with asking someone to improve the team or taking on a project in any business. The player also have the right to say no but to complain about a question shows immaturity for someone that is the face of the franchise. If they forced him to play there is another question which to this point they have not.
I guess the question should be if he is not doing his job and had to bring in someone to do it does that mean they should be allowed to take back a portion of his salary?
Too bad, Devers is limited to DH these days, the Sox could have used an extra arm last instead of bringing Newcomb in.
They’re limited to how many pitchers they can carry. Pretty sure they’re at their limit
Really interesting situation in Boston. Options to move to 1B IMO: Devers, Story, Yoshida.
For Devers, there’s his attitude as an obstacle; for Story, there’s his lack of offense, and with Yoshida, there’s his arm health and availability.
Devers would be the best choice, but navigating it will be a huge pain. In any event, he needs to start taking grounders ASAP.
They asked him to put away his 3B glove, but they didn’t say anything about getting a first baseman’s mitt.
Look……
The Red Sox FO gave Devers that ridiculous contract knowing what sort of person he is, and told him he’d continue at 3B in spite of the fact that he was a terrible 3B. For a contract that size the owner obviously had to sign off on it. Then they dumped to FO head.
This year they went out and brought in a FA to play 3B. OK. Told Devers he’d be a DH. OK. Then their 1B got hurt and because they’re stuck with an OF on another large contract that can hit but can’t play the field, they want Devers to “try” 1B”…..which is destined to be yet an even bigger disaster!…..so the OF can DH some.
LOL
One thing to say about John Henry’s ownership: It’s perfect for the Boston media. No one employed by the organization know what’s going on from day to day, and the media gets lots of clicks…been going on for over a decade now.
P.S. Devers knows he can’t play 1B.
I am all for $300+m deals for players. I’m also all for players fulfilling their contract which would include playing the position their told to play.
I hope one of the things JH said to Devers is you don’t call out your boss in public.I also believe
Cora doesn’t want Devers at 1st because then
hopefully Roman Anthony comes up and Rafaela
plays only against Lefties.Cora wants Rafaela in there all the time and the same for Story no matter how bad they hit.
A MLB player with a guaranteed contract is about the only person who can call out their boss publicly with little to no repercussions.
There are repercussions but if your a man, it doesn’t matter what anyone says.
If Anthony was a first baseman, he’d be in the majors right now.
The crack Red Sox ownership and FO should think about trading Devers to the Browns for Deshaun Watson.
It’s tough to rationalize Devers saying “it’s not my fault your roster is built like this” when most of the log jam exists because he was extended rather than traded, and flat-out sucks at 3B.
Ohhhhhhh, busted! Go to the principal’s office, champ!!!
Xander back to the Sox for Devers and cash? Crazier things have happened (i.e., Luka Doncic)
In principle it could absolutely work… but binding up the DH spot for years and losing a starting SS doesn’t seem to equate. Idk, but like you said, crazier things have happened!
Why not bring up Leo and bat him 9th? He’s gonna Crack the club next season anyway, and we already know the kid can field the position
Agree re the DH conundrum, but I bet Devers would consider 1B in the off-season per his latest comments. Plus him batting 5th in this lineup would be filthy
“Too soon” on Leo. I suspect he and Salas will be counted on sooner rather than later, but it still has the feeling of too soon. Raffy hitting 4th/5th would be sweeeeeettttt, not doubt!
Tatis
Arraez
Manny
Raffy
Merrill
Croney
LF
Leo
C
LOOKS NIIICEEEE
I don’t know that cash would enter into it. Bogey’s contract has a ton of dead money on the backend where he likely won’t even be a serviceable player at his age.
The one good thing about devers’ deal is plenty of dhs can hit through age 36
Devers has the less onerous contract but his contract still sucks.
As a Sox fan, I rather have Arraez and bullpen help for devers and cash
@.@
Call us back, B! We got what you want. Haha
Trade him
Miami
Athletics
Colorado
Really just get rid of the headache let him go be happy elsewhere
I don’t think anyone wants that contract at face value. Maybe before he showed himself as a prima Donna and potential clubhouse cancer
The contract is certainly an obstacle, however, Raffie’s attitude over all this isn’t helping either.
Did the Red Sox know about his poor defense in the minors, too? I can’t imagine then investing in him and bringing him up through the minors with poor defense and then crying about how they need him to not play the field due to his defense and now they are crying for him to be on the field. Sox are a completely mismanaged team from top down.
York – from the time devers was drafted he was a bat-only guy that was always projected as unable to stay at 3b, and, possibly a 1b, but eventually a dh only. Early scouting reports said that as well.
They found a place to hide his bat, and, Bloom was more focused on his soft tanking to build the farm that winning was never his priority. He let the situation fester by leaving Raffy where he never belonged, where most others GMs would be looking for actual solutions.
@GASoxFan
Thank you.
York..does it matter?..hes a ball player who is already secure why not just try if asked?
I can somewhat understand devers. The sox signed another third baseman and moved him off third against his will and now he gets asked to be moved again. That is not a great situation for him.
I would also say this is not comparable to what mookie did since mookie got put in another premium defense position and didn’t get told throw your glove away, we only need your bat.
However this still is a very messy situation. For the team it clearly would be best if devers would move to first as this would solve several problems:
1) fill out first base with a competent player. This is big because in this part of the season the alternatives to fill first base are very limited. You can either sign a washed up old guy like rizzo or trade for a mediocre second division first baseman like Josh bell, both are not very appealing alternatives
2) by moving devers to first you open up DH and with some more shuffling probably also an outfield spot for your top prospect roman Anthony.
3) it also clears up the yoshida issue when he comes back
So for the team it definitely would be best if devers goes to first.
Henry talking with him is not a great situation either because with this Henry signals that he doesn’t trust breslow and Cora to handle that on their own.
So overall a very messy situation for the sox.
Actually, Henry sort of had to get involved at some point.
The root of this circles back to the Bloom/Cora/Henry discussions and representations when Devers was extended.
Breslow had zero role in that.
Absent whatever devers was led to believe about 3B, but, which was curiously *NOT* part of his actual contract, i don’t think the issue would be as complicated as it is
So it only makes sense that the remaining parties who were involved in creating that root conflict clear up what they said, what they meant, and, anything that was misunderstood or lost in translation
The guys getting 27 million dollars this year to help the Red Sox win games. More than 95% of his countrymen make combined. He should be grateful and help however he can. If they asked him to sell beers in the stands, he should.
They give him a lot of money I think he can take some reps at first.
Here’s an idea: why can’t Bregman be at first and leave Devers at third?
Because devers is the leagues worst 3B
Trade him to the A’s and really send a message
Get Trump to deport him for being a gang member so he gets stuck in the DR., can’t fulfill his contract, and Sox don’t have to pay him🤣
Devers has some issues in his life right now. Pro ball players don’t do this. My guess is that he was hurt by the signing of Bregman and that’s what is manifesting now. This is his chance to hit back against the organization.
And, since it shows his contempt for the organization, I think they probably need to trade him to rid themselves of the drama. This won’t be over this season. It’ll continue to fester throughout the clubhouse.
The Sox have enough talent in the minors to trade for Nate Lowe right now.
Or…
Casas for Nate Lowe.
The Breslow quotes read just as unnerving as the Devers ones to me. The whole situation is weird.
There’s a world where devers signed his extension and said “i will only sign this if it guarantees me to be the 3b of the red sox the whole time” and it feels to me like there is some missing piece in here like that.
But, if that was the case… you put it in the contract. If you don’t, that’s between you and your agent, but not against the team
DEvers and cash to Philly for Bohm….will need to pay $15MM a year to Philly to pay down the contract. Red Sox get a more than capable option for 1B. Both need a change of scenery
Maybe if Philly throws Painter in otherwise why would the redsox do that deal
His feelings are hurt. They moved him off third for the new guy, that’s it. Massage his ego, not like a NFL player massage, massage just his ego. It’ll all workout
Notable players which have moved from 3B to 1B with no issues:
Jim Thome
Paul Molitor
George Brett
Chipper Jones
Freddie Freeman
Miguel Cabrera
Albert Pujols
Carlos Santana
Edwin Encarnación
Kevin Youkilis
Chris Davis
Vladdy
They’re paying him $30 million a year, which is ridiculous money. He should be happy to do whatever it takes to help the team win, period. If he’s so upset about getting bumped off third then he should be thrilled to have the chance to get back on the field at first. Should have never aired his grievances in public. For the Sox’s part, they probably should have had him continue to take reps at third and maybe at first too. Versatility is valuable. So yeah maybe they screwed up but at the end of the day this isn’t an unreasonable request.
Another 1 run loss yesterday…, I was so optimistic ( and still am to some degree) I feel like a child when their parents are fighting a lot) I really don’t want this to end in divorce!! It hasn’t been handled by either party very well.. so my whole take on this matter ( not that I have anything to offer is ) Did anyone see Brais pitched a scoreless inning in first rehab start and struck out 2 on May 7???
I bet you were hoping brais was around to come in last night then Olm!
Well….
I say put Yoshida at 1st base.He will want to play.He is out injured so he can work on ground balls.Either that or put Yoshida in the outfield and move an outfielder to 1st.Why pay a guy to not play.
What a clown show.
Like, bro, you’re being paid tens of millions of dollars a year to play a children’s game, but that doesn’t mean you get to act like a child too.
If I were the Red Sox I would say look, we’re not paying you $31 million a year to just DH. We’re sorry we signed Bergman a 3rd baseman who’s better defensively but if you can play 3rd you can play first. It offers positional flexibility and will help out the team. What’s keeping the Tigers with the best record in the AL (for now) is their players willingness to play multiple positions. Javy Baez looks like a natural in CF. Plus he’s hitting.. not sure if there’s a market for Devers if he continues to refuse to play in the field. $31 million is way too much to pay for a DH.
I am sure he will play 3b for someone else.
Where I think the sux may have messed up was not getting Raffy 3-3 starts at 3b this year when giving Bregman a day off or have him DH. ( besides rhe obvious of not having Raffy work at 1b in spring to back up Casas / emergency depth )
INSTEAD they said according to reports ” lose the glove, you a bat “
“Manny Ramirez Part 2” Ship disgruntled Devers to deep pocket Dodgers. Muncy is fading, and the red Sox Need Pitching…Maybe May and Phiilips in return?
This is a disaster with no one looking good.
I am not sure the Red Sox organization has the best record with handling players, when I was a kid they lost a few big names by missing a simple paperwork deadline, other examples mentioned above.
In what universe did anyone think the contract was a good idea in the first place? He was bad defensively in 2018 and has steadily gotten worse, but you keep playing him there, lock him to a long contract and pay him as a 3B. He probably can’t play 1B much better either.
As for Devers, this is entitlement. It isn’t like you signed the contract for lower DH money and are now asked to play 3B. Go play and stop crying. This isn’t a gig that you can swap into another one.
(For Yankees fans who have chimed in, what if the Captain had refused to switch positions when A Rod had been brought in as he should have been, for the good of the team, because he was a below avg defensive SS and A Rod was excellent defensively?)
No one looks good out of this and I don’t think he can stay there. If he does it will sink the Sox season. I see Devers being traded elsewhere (to DH) with the Sox eating at least half of the $.
Poor misunderstood Raffy getting his pity party. He’s making 30 plus million per year, he’s a great hitter but a poor defensive 3B. The team in order to improve signs a better defender at 3B and the most natural transition would be to move him to 1B. It was probably in the cards for his career anyway. But no, waaa waaa waaa. How childish.
Red Sox looked bad. Devers looks much worse and is coming off as a clubhouse cancer.
More will be known when we see Devers grab a first base mitt.
People can try and jump on raffys side in this all they want at the end of the day the fans matter the most and fans care about TEAM wins whatever it takes most red sox fans understand devers got paid and none care where he plays so long as he hits but when he comes out seemingly refusing to be open to playing anywhere to help.the team most fans will not support that…
LMFAO Henry hired Breslow and Cora to do a job. Part of their job is to communicate. Breslow and Cora are so Godawful at that that he had to do it himself.
Breslow’s CYA answer….. it’s his fault 100%.
Raffy for President.
Devers is not in the wrong at all here. He does exactly what he’s told. If they don’t like that trade him before Monday.
Tell Devers to go over to the Dana Farber Hospital and sit in the waiting room for a half hour.Stop crying and realize you are very healthy being paid extremely well to play a kids game.MLB is not reality.
Bottom line is he’s a child. Word is that the clubhouse is not real happy with him though I don’t think anyone is going to say that out loud. He will play first eventually or he’ll be traded in the off season. I hope he kills it at the plate so other teams line up for him and the team can have a choice.
I’ll be the person to admit to enjoying seeing this blowup into a big ordeal over something so small
Make it sound like playing first base is just picking up a glove and fielding throws.
I hope he gives in and when he starts to mess up, especially against the Yankees, and Red Sox fans start busting a spleen I am going to come back here and LAUGH at all the Red Sox fans who demanded he make this move,
Go watch the Joey Votto video someone made called
This Is The Worst Defensive First Basemen in Baseball Today to get an idea what damage a bad first baseman to a team.
With the production we are getting from third base and the way Devers hits at Yankee stadium, throw in some cash and I’ll be more than happy to take Devers off your hands and Mookie Betts the Red Sox all over again.
Red Sox have a big problem here. Devers is a very good hitter who doesn’t do much else. He’s signed until he’s 36 at $30M a year. His fitness is questionable and his attitude is questionable at best.
Put it all together and it will be very hard to deal this guy unless they want to send along a lot of money and/or settle for a weak return.
They just have to hope he continues to hit and agrees to play some first base this year.
For the future, who know? Bregman will probably opt out and I assume that Casas will be back. So does Raffy bounce back over to third base in 2026? They’ve got a real mess on their hands.
If raffy hits like he can, he will be tradeable. His contract is already looking good after vlads deal. Devers is still young enough and some team would be willing to play him at 3b or somewhere else in the field. As long as he keeps hitting well this year, they could find a taker if they wanted to.
If bregman leaves town, the one thing that will not happen is a Devers return to 3B. Especially not after all this.
Red Sox have a tremendous communication problem. Spring Training was the time for Breslow & Cora to be totally upfront with Devers about Bregman, DH & possibilities of him playing other positions.
Instead of their problems now being played out in front of the media & fans it’s on Henry, Breslow, Cora & Devers to solve quickly & quietly.
Henry flying all the way to Kansas City to have a face-to-face meeting gives the appearance that Henry may not be very happy with how Breslow & Cora have handled the problem.
Breslow & Cora may need to prepare themselves in case Henry decides to make personnel changes – whether it be firing Breslow, Cora or both – and trading their disgruntled player (Devers).
With 8 years left on Devers contract it may be difficult to get quality talent in return.
It may be easier to fire Breslow, Cora or both.
Bottom line, Red Sox have a major problem that must be dealt with.
They haven’t handled player interactions well in years. They should’ve told raffy in the off season that they wanted him to take reps at first and prepare for dh. Make it known then, that they were trying to add talent to help like HE asked for. He just cries when the help takes his position.
They literally had a behind closed meeting earlier this week that Devers brought to the media…. not management. Pay attention.
Devers, Story, Yoshida. Wow, the Red Sox do have a large number of highly negative-value contracts on their hands. Do the Yankees, Mets, Phillies, or Dodgers have more? Or fewer with more negative value?
Of course, it could be worse. Maybe the Rays can trade Wander Franco to the Red Sox for all of them. (Post acceptance back into the majors, if that does happen, which it probably won’t.)
Maybe trade Devers to KC for Jac Caglianone, seems a fair trade
Some of you need to read about this situation before you actually jump on here. They had a meeting with Devers behind close doors…Devers brought that to the media earlier this week. The brass flies out to talk to him. Keep up .
Devers is an employee and the money is guaranteed. There are a lot of companies/industries/jobs where people are paid *very* well or at the top of the market for their industry, who get sidelined or made redunant or have their role diminished for one reason or another while still remaining employed and drawing a paycheck- sometimes a very very nice paycheck, as I mentioned before. It bruises the ego, it’s professionally frustrating- but that’s what the employer wants to do with your role and as long as the person being sidelined or diminished doesn’t go MIA (see: Yoenis Cespedes), they remain employed and their now oversized salary/hourly rate or whatever stays the same.
Whether it’s $30 an hour, $300,000 a year or $30 million a year- just suck it up. It does suck. It’s depressing, embarrassing, disheartening, etc. etc. but as long as the checks are still coming- just suck it the heck up…
Also yeah that was Devers’ *employers* reminding him that he’s getting the salary he gets because of them and as their *employee* if he’s told to go stand in a corner or if he’s mysteriously put on the I.L. and is disappeared out of the game while he continues to be paid his $31.3M a season, then he should just make his peace with that and do whatever they expect him to do as his job duties at that point.
Everyone involved in extending Devers contract should be fired IMHO.
You knew what you had, a hit only player that was a huge defensive risk, If the manager, and GM thought it was wise to ask him to play 1B they should be fired. It’s their job as executives to put together a competitive team. None of this should have happened because they didn’t have a viable alternative to Casas who sucked already before the injury. There are dozens of FAs available they could turn to.