Red Sox's Devers: Not A Field Option In Emergency, Says Cora

James

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Post on Jun 16, 2025

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Red Sox's Devers: An Offensive Powerhouse, But Not an Emergency Outfielder, Says Cora

Boston, MA – Rafael Devers, the Red Sox's star third baseman and offensive cornerstone, won't be seeing time in the outfield anytime soon, manager Alex Cora confirmed. While Devers's power hitting is undeniable, his defensive capabilities beyond third base are apparently not considered an emergency option by the Red Sox coaching staff. This revelation comes at a time when the team is navigating injuries and roster adjustments.

The news, while not entirely surprising, underscores the team's current outfield depth – or rather, lack thereof. Devers, known for his explosive bat and consistent performance at the hot corner, is a vital part of the Red Sox's offensive strategy. However, Cora's statement firmly establishes that sacrificing his potent batting average for less-than-ideal outfield defense isn't in the team's best interest.

<h3>Why Devers Isn't an Outfield Option</h3>

Cora's decision is likely rooted in several factors:

• Defensive Prowess: While Devers is a capable fielder at third, his outfield skills are reportedly not up to major league standards. Shifting him to the outfield would likely expose a significant defensive weakness, potentially outweighing any offensive benefits.
• Injury Risk: Forcing Devers into a position he's not accustomed to playing increases the risk of injury. Protecting their star player is a paramount concern for the Red Sox management.
• Existing Outfield Options: Although the Red Sox outfield has faced some injury challenges recently, they likely have other players in their system better suited to fill emergency outfield roles. These players might be minor league call-ups or existing players being repositioned. This emphasizes the importance of a robust minor league system and player versatility within the organization.

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

Devers's continued focus on third base solidifies the Red Sox's infield lineup, providing a much-needed source of consistency. His offensive contributions are crucial to the team's success, making the decision to keep him at his primary position a logical one. The challenge for the Red Sox now lies in addressing their outfield depth issues through other means.

<h3>Looking Ahead: Addressing Outfield Depth</h3>

The Red Sox will need to find solutions to bolster their outfield depth. This could involve:

• Minor League Call-Ups: Promoting promising outfielders from their minor league system is a potential solution. This allows the organization to evaluate young talent while simultaneously filling the roster gap.
• Trades: Exploring trade possibilities to acquire outfield talent is another viable option. This, however, would require careful consideration of the team's current assets and needs.
• Free Agent Acquisitions: Depending on the severity of the outfield situation and the remaining budget, the Red Sox could consider signing free agent outfielders. This would, however, come with a greater financial commitment.

This situation highlights the complex decisions facing Major League Baseball managers and front offices. Balancing offensive prowess with defensive stability is crucial, and in this instance, the Red Sox have prioritized Devers's offensive contributions by keeping him at third base. While it doesn’t solve their immediate outfield concerns, the decision emphasizes their commitment to maximizing Devers's impact on the game. The coming weeks will be crucial in seeing how the Red Sox manage this challenge and maintain their competitive edge.