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.

After signing Alex Bregman, the Boston Red Sox initially refused to commit to him at second base, and instead left the door open for Bregman to play his usual third base. That would then shift franchise icon Rafael Devers to DH,