Alex Cora: Rafael Devers Unprepared For Unexpected Defensive Role

James

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Post on Jun 16, 2025

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Alex Cora: Rafael Devers' Unexpected Defensive Shortcomings

Red Sox manager Alex Cora expresses concerns over Rafael Devers' readiness for his new defensive role.

Boston Red Sox fans are buzzing after manager Alex Cora voiced his concerns regarding Rafael Devers' preparedness for his unexpected shift to playing third base more regularly. While Devers' offensive prowess is undeniable – he's consistently a top hitter in the MLB – his defensive capabilities at the hot corner have become a point of discussion, prompting questions about his long-term suitability at the position.

This shift isn't entirely surprising. The Red Sox have been experimenting with Devers' positioning throughout the season, partially due to injuries and roster shuffles. However, Cora's recent comments suggest a deeper concern than simple positional flexibility. The manager hinted at a lack of consistent effort and preparation in Devers' defensive approach.

<h3>Devers' Defensive Struggles: A Closer Look</h3>

Cora hasn't explicitly criticized Devers, opting for a more supportive approach. However, his comments subtly highlight areas needing improvement. The manager pointed to missed routine plays and a lack of sharpness in reacting to batted balls as key areas of concern. These issues, while seemingly minor, can significantly impact the team's overall defensive performance. The statistics back this up, showing a slightly increased error rate and a less-than-stellar defensive rating for Devers compared to his previous performances and other MLB third basemen.

• Routine Plays: Cora emphasized the importance of consistently making routine plays, stating that "the fundamentals are paramount at this level." Missed ground balls and throws are areas where Devers needs to show more consistency.
• Reaction Time: Quick reactions are crucial at third base. Cora's comments suggest a need for Devers to improve his first-step quickness and overall reaction time to batted balls.
• Communication: Effective communication with other infielders is essential. While not explicitly mentioned, improved communication is an implicit aspect of enhancing overall defensive performance.

<h3>The Impact on the Red Sox</h3>

Devers' defensive struggles could significantly impact the Red Sox's playoff aspirations. A strong defense is crucial in close games, and any defensive liability can quickly become a significant disadvantage. While the team's offense has been carrying the load, a more consistent defense would provide a crucial boost.

The Red Sox front office might consider options to mitigate this issue. This could involve increased defensive coaching for Devers, exploring alternative positional arrangements, or even considering roster adjustments in the offseason.

<h3>Looking Ahead: Can Devers Improve?</h3>

While the situation seems challenging, it's not insurmountable. Devers is a young and talented player with a proven ability to learn and adapt. With dedicated practice and focused coaching, he could potentially overcome these defensive shortcomings. His commitment and willingness to improve will ultimately determine the outcome. The coming weeks will be crucial in assessing Devers' progress and his ability to solidify his role at third base. This will undoubtedly be a key storyline to follow as the Red Sox navigate the rest of the season. The question remains: Can Rafael Devers rise to the challenge and become a reliable defensive player, or will the Red Sox need to explore alternative solutions?

Keywords: Alex Cora, Rafael Devers, Red Sox, MLB, third base, defense, defensive struggles, baseball, playoffs, offensive prowess, baseball news, Boston Red Sox news, MLB news.