Red Sox sign Alex Bregman

[Hitch]

Some of his quotes - 

 

“I’m somebody that believes in people’s word,” Devers said through translator Daveson Perez on Monday here at JetBlue Park. “I take it to heart. And it was very surprising they’d suggest that.”

“That was definitely what was discussed when I signed — that I would be playing this position for a long time,” Devers said. “I don’t know what caused the change. But I know I’ve worked really hard on my defense throughout the years. I feel like last year I had a really good year. I still have a lot more to give. But I definitely feel like last year was really good.”

“Since the beginning, I’ve known this is a business. Each side is going to do what’s best for them and what’s most comfortable for them. I don’t think that was the right way to do business. But I’ve always known this is a business.”

 

So...this is going excellently.

 

 

[Hitch]

And yeah, Cora trying to get some control back.

“Different people here, right?” Cora said. “There’s a different leader here. Chaim is in St. Louis right now.”

 

Honestly, I've no idea how we do this, but if we moved Devers and somehow come out even in production over 1/a few trades, I'd do it in a heartbeat. He always felt like the one not to give the huge and long contract to. We know who should have had it. *sigh* I don't see him aging well at all. And he's only a DH now! Good defence last year my ass.

I've literally no idea how you manage the situation if he wanted out though.

[Hitch]

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195 likes, 13 comments - 985thesportshub on February 17, 2025: "Should Red Sox fans be...

Claiming the translator didn't quite get over how insistent Devers was.

 

The thing is, if he is forced into DHing, I really do think he'll be the worse for it. I do believe he needs to be on the field to stay focused (total guesswork), which is why its surprising to not hear anything about possibly playing 1st.

 

 

[vjcsmoke]

21 minutes ago, Hitch said:

And yeah, Cora trying to get some control back.

“Different people here, right?” Cora said. “There’s a different leader here. Chaim is in St. Louis right now.”

 

Honestly, I've no idea how we do this, but if we moved Devers and somehow come out even in production over 1/a few trades, I'd do it in a heartbeat. He always felt like the one not to give the huge and long contract to. We know who should have had it. *sigh* I don't see him aging well at all. And he's only a DH now! Good defence last year my ass.

I've literally no idea how you manage the situation if he wanted out though.

I think Devers feels he is a 3rd baseman and knows he would lose value if he were moved to 1st or even worse DH.  But the man is already getting fully paid, it doesn't matter where he plays on the diamond.  I think this year is evaluation to see how well Devers does at 3rd and to see if Casas blooms. If Casas becomes a monster hitter, maybe it's Devers who gets moved to DH instead. or Maybe we move Devers to 1st to keep him happy, Casas at DH and trade Yoshida even if we have to eat giving up a couple 2nd tier prospects to dump his salary. 

BTW there are a lot of trade rumors involving Yoshida lately so if we can move him, that would allow us to shuffle our infield as discussed above.

[Hitch]

Listening to that, it sounds very much like Cora is expecting Bregman at 3rd.

[Hitch]

4 minutes ago, vjcsmoke said:

I think Devers feels he is a 3rd baseman and knows he would lose value if he were moved to 1st or even worse DH.  But the man is already getting fully paid, it doesn't matter where he plays on the diamond.  I think this year is evaluation to see how well Devers does at 3rd and to see if Casas blooms. If Casas becomes a monster hitter, maybe it's Devers who gets moved to DH instead. or Maybe we move Devers to 1st to keep him happy, Casas at DH and trade Yoshida even if we have to eat giving up a couple 2nd tier prospects to dump his salary. 

BTW there are a lot of trade rumors involving Yoshida lately so if we can move him, that would allow us to shuffle our infield as discussed above.

It can't be about value, surely? He's got his contract. It changes nothing value wise. I think it's purely pride/wanting to be as involved in the game as possible.

I've seen the Yoshi noise. If you've seen the same trade suggestions I have, I think you can safely rule them out as clickbait. Or that their author was high on crack at the time.

 

Edit to add - it doesn't even have to be that one of Casas and Devers is the 1st baseman and the other the DH. Have them rotate and sell it as keeping them injury free/fresh due to their importance.

[notin]

2 hours ago, mvp 78 said:

"These things usually work themselves out" is an apt way to put it. Apatapati.

It will work out.  And until it does, Bregman likely plays second except on Devers’ scheduled days off (since Cora is still managing).

Bregman won a Gold Glove because he is a good fielder, not because he is an automaton programmed for third base.  It’s very possible his defensive skill set translates very well to 2b, and he could still be a defensive upgrade for this team…

[notin]

7 minutes ago, vjcsmoke said:

I think Devers feels he is a 3rd baseman and knows he would lose value if he were moved to 1st or even worse DH.  But the man is already getting fully paid, it doesn't matter where he plays on the diamond.  I think this year is evaluation to see how well Devers does at 3rd and to see if Casas blooms. If Casas becomes a monster hitter, maybe it's Devers who gets moved to DH instead. or Maybe we move Devers to 1st to keep him happy, Casas at DH and trade Yoshida even if we have to eat giving up a couple 2nd tier prospects to dump his salary. 

BTW there are a lot of trade rumors involving Yoshida lately so if we can move him, that would allow us to shuffle our infield as discussed above.

Devers can’t lose value.  He is owed some $280mill on a contract that will see him turn 36 years old.  And that’s guaranteed regardless if he plays third base, first base, or Tiddlywinks…

[Hitch]

When asked if his refusal to DH means he wants to be traded, Devers paused before sighing. “That’s a tough answer to give,” he said. “I haven’t given it much thought. I think you all know that this team drafted me. I’ve been here my entire career. I’m a Bostonian through and through. And I really haven’t asked myself that question, but I’m open to listening and hearing what they have to say moving forward. It’s not like I’m close to those conversations.”

 

Can't quite make out if he's saying he's not closed to a conversation around being traded, or the situation as a whole. Quite a statement if it's the former, but maybe he was just caught unaware by the question, too. 

I cannot fathom what a trade for Devers would begin to look like.

[dgalehouse]

2 hours ago, Old Red said:

I’ve never been a Devers Forevers guy, and I’ve said more than once that IMO Devers was signed where Bogey, and Mookie wasn’t, because he was the last man standing. Raffy doesn’t care IMO that Bregman is a better 3B just like Bogey didn’t care that Story was a better SS. The Red Sox was Bogey’s team, and the Red Sox are Raffy’s team, and they both won championships with the Red Sox. Bregman is pretty much on 3 one year contracts, and Raffy might not want to move for an outsider who may be in Boston for only 1 year, or most likely any other reason either. Like I said Raffy feels betrayed, and lied to, and for Cora to say Bloom isn’t here now who made the promise to Raffy doesn’t change anything in Raffy’s mind. I hope Raffy sticks to his guns, and no I don’t think that makes him a bad teammate. All this noise is great for all the talk shows, and outside venues. Raffy is not a good 3B, but that hasn’t bothered me as much as it has you, and others. I believe MVP said the Red Sox haven’t been a losing out of the postseason team the last 3 years, because Raffy has been at 3B, and that’s why it hasn’t bothered me as much, and I don’t believe now that where Raffy plays will make, or break the season.

Devers played third in 2018. The team did pretty good. 

[moonslav59]

2 hours ago, notin said:

It sounds like the idea here odd the Closer is more important than the setup guys, but runs in the 7th and 8th innings count the same as runs in the 9th.

And since 1/3 of all saves start with facing one of the 6-7-8 hitters, that means the setup guys had to face the 3-4-5 hitters to start their inning.

I wouldn’t get too worked up about the closer, especially if you think the setup squad is good enough…

I like the 4 set-up men more than the 3, with one closing.

I also think it takes a special kind of pitchers to handle getting that last out of the game, even if it is vs the 9 guy not the #2 or 4 guy.

[moonslav59]

There are examples of winning without a top closer, but with the Sox...

Foulke

Papelbon

Uehara

Kimbrel

[harmony]

1 hour ago, Hitch said:

When asked if his refusal to DH means he wants to be traded, Devers paused before sighing. “That’s a tough answer to give,” he said. “I haven’t given it much thought. I think you all know that this team drafted me. I’ve been here my entire career. I’m a Bostonian through and through. And I really haven’t asked myself that question, but I’m open to listening and hearing what they have to say moving forward. It’s not like I’m close to those conversations.”

 

Can't quite make out if he's saying he's not closed to a conversation around being traded, or the situation as a whole. Quite a statement if it's the former, but maybe he was just caught unaware by the question, too. 

I cannot fathom what a trade for Devers would begin to look like.

Baseball Trade Values assigns Rafael Devers a surplus value of $23.2 milion with nine years and $289.2 million remaining on his contract.

[dgalehouse]

If the bottom of the order is due up in the ninth, you will see the best pinch hitters off the bench. Anyone gets on, you are back to the top of the order.  Closing ain't easy. Far more pressure than pitching the 7th or 8th. And everyone in the ballpark knows it and feels it. 

[moonslav59]

50 minutes ago, harmony said:

Baseball Trade Values assigns Rafael Devers a surplus value of $23.2 milion with nine years and $289.2 million remaining on his contract.

So, he's owed about $32M per year and worth about $34.5M/yr.

[harmony]

1 minute ago, moonslav59 said:

So, he's owed about $32M per year and worth about $34.5M/yr.

Which is curious because over the past two seasons Rafael Devers has posted 3.4 and 4.1 fWAR, valued at $27.1 ,million and $33 million, respectively:

https://www.fangraphs.com/players/rafael-devers/17350/stats?position=3B#value

ZiPS projects Devers to post 4.0, 3.6 and 3.0 WAR over the next three seasons:

https://www.fangraphs.com/players/rafael-devers/17350/stats?position=3B#zips-3-year-projections

[Hugh2]

 

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned, but I feel like we are missing something here.  I’ll wait and hold judgment 

[moonslav59]

16 minutes ago, harmony said:

Which is curious because over the past two seasons Rafael Devers has posted 3.4 and 4.1 fWAR, valued at $27.1 ,million and $33 million, respectively:

https://www.fangraphs.com/players/rafael-devers/17350/stats?position=3B#value

ZiPS projects Devers to post 4.0, 3.6 and 3.0 WAR over the next three seasons:

https://www.fangraphs.com/players/rafael-devers/17350/stats?position=3B#zips-3-year-projections

He was on his way to a career best OPS in '24, before the injury, and maybe they figure inflation.

[harmony]

1 hour ago, moonslav59 said:

He was on his way to a career best OPS in '24, before the injury, and maybe they figure inflation.

It's hard to forecast how well Rafael Devers will age.

At Monday's press conference, when asked point-blank, Devers said he weighs 240 pounds.

Through his age 27 season, Devers has posted 22.5 bWAR in 980 games with an OPS+ of 126.

Through his age 27 season, third baseman Pablo Sandoval had posted 20.4 bWAR in 869 games withj an OPS+ of 123.

Following his age 27 season in 2014, Sandoval signed a five-year, $95 million contract with the Red Sox. Devers has nine years and $289.2 million remaining on his contract.

In their age 27 seasons, Devers and Sandoval posted 3.7 and 3.2 bWAR, respectively, with Devers trending somewhat better than Sandoval.

[a700hitter]

Devers has a big contract with many years left.  He needs to stop being selfish and say that he will do what is best for the team.  Maybe Papi will give him some fatherly advice.

[harmony]

3 hours ago, harmony said:

Baseball Trade Values assigns Rafael Devers a surplus value of $23.2 milion with nine years and $289.2 million remaining on his contract.

Rafael Devers' current contract addresses the possibility of a trade, awarding a $2 million bonus to be paid by the receiving team in a trade:

https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/player/_/id/18493/rafael-devers

https://legacy.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/al-east/boston-red-sox/

Was the Red Sox front office in contact with Devers' agent as the offseason unfolded? Seattle PBO Jerry Dipoto reported his front office was in regular contact with Luis Castillo's agent as trade rumors swirled this offseason.

[moonslav59]

36 minutes ago, harmony said:

It's hard to forecast how well Rafael Devers will age.

At Monday's press conference, when asked point-blank, Devers said he weighs 240 pounds.

Through his age 27 season, Devers has posted 22.5 bWAR in 980 games with an OPS+ of 126.

Through his age 27 season, third baseman Pablo Sandoval had posted 20.4 bWAR in 869 games withj an OPS+ of 123.

Following his age 27 season in 2104 Sandoval signed a five-year, $95 million contract with the Red Sox. Devers has nine years and $289.2 million remaining on his contract.

In their age 27 seasonsl Devers and Sandoval posted 3.7 and 3.2 bWAR, respectively, with Devers trending somewhat better than Sandoval.

You wish

[Hitch]

3 hours ago, harmony said:

Baseball Trade Values assigns Rafael Devers a surplus value of $23.2 milion with nine years and $289.2 million remaining on his contract.

This is one of those situations where using BTV as a tool is unlikely to even begin to paint the true picture.

[mvp 78]

12 hours ago, harmony said:

Which is curious because over the past two seasons Rafael Devers has posted 3.4 and 4.1 fWAR, valued at $27.1 ,million and $33 million, respectively:

https://www.fangraphs.com/players/rafael-devers/17350/stats?position=3B#value

ZiPS projects Devers to post 4.0, 3.6 and 3.0 WAR over the next three seasons:

https://www.fangraphs.com/players/rafael-devers/17350/stats?position=3B#zips-3-year-projections

Right, because ZiPS is infallible. 

[mvp 78]

10 hours ago, harmony said:

It's hard to forecast how well Rafael Devers will age.

At Monday's press conference, when asked point-blank, Devers said he weighs 240 pounds.

Through his age 27 season, Devers has posted 22.5 bWAR in 980 games with an OPS+ of 126.

Through his age 27 season, third baseman Pablo Sandoval had posted 20.4 bWAR in 869 games withj an OPS+ of 123.

Following his age 27 season in 2014, Sandoval signed a five-year, $95 million contract with the Red Sox. Devers has nine years and $289.2 million remaining on his contract.

In their age 27 seasons, Devers and Sandoval posted 3.7 and 3.2 bWAR, respectively, with Devers trending somewhat better than Sandoval.

Devers would have had more games if not for 2020. 

20.4 fWAR - Sandoval (2.6 average ages 25-27)

25.5 fWAR - Devers (4.2 average ages 25-27)

Trending "somewhat better" is being much too kind to Pablo. 

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

10 hours ago, harmony said:

Rafael Devers' current contract addresses the possibility of a trade, awarding a $2 million bonus to be paid by the receiving team in a trade:

https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/player/_/id/18493/rafael-devers

https://legacy.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/al-east/boston-red-sox/

Was the Red Sox front office in contact with Devers' agent as the offseason unfolded? Seattle PBO Jerry Dipoto reported his front office was in regular contact with Luis Castillo's agent as trade rumors swirled this offseason.

I wouldn't trade Raffy Devers for a package of Luis Castillo, Rusney Castillo, Frank Castillo and Adrian Del Castillo (and the latter is a guy I wanted the Red Sox to draft as much as the one they did pick who didn't sign, Jud Fabian).

[Hitch]

11 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

I wouldn't trade Raffy Devers for a package of Luis Castillo, Rusney Castillo, Frank Castillo and Adrian Del Castillo (and the latter is a guy I wanted the Red Sox to draft as much as the one they did pick who didn't sign, Jud Fabian).

Would you swap Raffy for Castillo and Woo?

I'm not for a second saying either team do it, or we should, just spit-balling. Would require other moves to bring in a bat of course. 

Edit to add: Just want to add I don't think there is any chance Devers will be moved. 

[moonslav59]

3 minutes ago, Hitch said:

Would you swap Raffy for Castillo and Woo?

I'm not for a second saying either team do it, or we should, just spit-balling. Would require other moves to bring in a bat of course. 

I'm assuming, after this trade, we'd trade 2 from our 12 SP'ers for something else.

Devers and Yoshida for Gilbert or Kirby and Haniger. (Maybe we could throw in some cash.)

[Hitch]

1 minute ago, moonslav59 said:

I'm assuming, after this trade, we'd trade 2 from our 12 SP'ers for something else.

Devers and Yoshida for Gilbert or Kirby and Haniger. (Maybe we could throw in some cash.)

Yeah trade a pitcher or two for the bat you need. I really like Vientos from The Mets - possibly a better fit to play 1st but can still play 3rd to an adequate level with some work - but that feels unattainable. 

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

4 minutes ago, Hitch said:

Would you swap Raffy for Castillo and Woo?

I'm not for a second saying either team do it, or we should, just spit-balling. Would require other moves to bring in a bat of course. 

Edit to add: Just want to add I don't think there is any chance Devers will be moved. 

Nope. I'd never trade a star position player who has already set team records with his bat for a pitcher -- unless maybe that guy is a Cy Young finalist in his prime.

Legitimate good hitters are just too hard to find in the modern game. If you have one, find a way to hang onto him... and spend time instead searching for another to protect him.