When Rafael Devers signed an 11-year extension with the Red Sox in 2023, he believed it came with the understanding he would be the team’s third baseman for the long term. Just two years into that deal, the Red Sox now have a better defensive third baseman on the roster in the newly signed Alex Bregman.

Bregman is a superior defender to Devers, who has led the American League in errors at third base in seven consecutive seasons. Devers’ -6 OAA (Outs Above Average) last season ranked in the bottom-eight percentile, according to Baseball Savant.

Alex Cora said Chaim Bloom was in charge when the Red Sox told Rafael Devers he would be the third baseman longterm. “There’s a different leader here. Chaim is in St. Louis right now.”