Alex Cora and Alex Bregman were unconcerned with the attention the Red Sox garnered following Rafael Devers’ recent comments.
The three-time All-Star believes the same way.
When Devers arrived in Fort Myers, Fla., for Boston’s spring training, he made it clearly known that he preferred his role with the 2025 club. The 2018 World Series champion prefers to stay at third base and avoids switching positions full-time.
On Tuesday, Devers spoke to the media for the first time about his controversial statements, which quickly gained attention.
“I feel like I said everything I needed to say that day,” Devers told reporters through translator Daveson Perez, per MassLive. “I still feel the same way.
“I’m not frustrated. I don’t have the need to be frustrated about anything with anybody … My family is good. My kids are good. I have no reason to be frustrated about anything. I don’t listen to what’s said. I don’t pay attention to what is said. I just know what I’m capable of. I’m happy being this way.”
Devers added: “I really don’t know why this is becoming such a big story. We’re a team and we communicate with each other. I think the most important thing is for us to have good chemistry together. Like I’ve always said since Day 1, the most important thing for me is that we win. That’s where I stand.”
The 28-year-old also noted he maintains a good relationship with Cora and feels comfortable speaking candidly with the Red Sox manager. As for his commitment to third base, Devers expressed confidence in his abilities and stressed it was not “a big deal” to vocalize a passion for his position.
As Craig Breslow stated on Sunday, position battles and lineup decisions usually resolve themselves. And it appears that Devers, Bregman, and the rest of the Red Sox will be dedicated to moving forward as a unit after Cora has worked things out.