The Red Sox just dropped $120 million on Alex Bregman, but there’s one big question: Where’s he going to play?
It’s not as simple as it sounds. Bregman’s been a third baseman his whole career with the Astros, and he’s really good at it. But here’s the catch – that’s Rafael Devers’ position in Boston, and Devers isn’t exactly eager to give it up.
The 31-year-old Bregman just showed up at spring training, and the team still hasn’t figured out what to do.
“The most important thing was getting Alex into a Red Sox uniform as an elite defender,” Red Sox executive Craig Breslow told reporters Sunday. “The conversations about where he’ll play are ongoing.”
Bregman’s being a team player about the whole thing. “I just want to play wherever helps the team win,” he said after arriving at camp.
But here’s why it’s complicated: Devers is signed through 2033 and wants to stay at third. The problem? He’s not great defensively there. Bregman, on the other hand, is excellent at third but has barely played second base – just 32 innings in his entire career.
Moving Bregman to second base could be pretty risky. It’s a totally different position that requires more range and special skills for turning double plays. And at 31, it’s not exactly the best time to learn a new position.
There might be an exciting solution, though.
Enter Kristian Campbell, the Red Sox’s 22-year-old rising star. He’s ranked as the No. 3 prospect in all of baseball, and he’s been crushing it in the minors. While he could play shortstop long-term, he’s spent most of his time at second base.
The smart move seems pretty clear: Put Bregman at third where he’s comfortable, move Devers to designated hitter (where he’ll probably end up anyway), and give Campbell a shot at second base.
But two big questions remain:
– Can Campbell prove he’s ready this spring?
– Will the Red Sox be willing to have that tough conversation with Devers about changing positions?
For a team trying to get back to the playoffs after a three-year drought, the answer to both questions could make or break their season.
