Manager Alex Cora put to rest any lingering questions about how the Red Sox will split time at third base between star sluggers Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman, announcing on WEEI Radio on Wednesday afternoon that Devers will be the club's everyday designated hitter and Bregman will man the hot corner every day.
"We had conversations throughout Spring Training, and [Devers] was very vocal about how he felt," Cora said. "We made a decision. Alex is going to play third, and Raffy is going to DH. We all are in the winning business, and [Devers] understands that.
"It's like everything -- you don't have to agree with it, but at the end of the day, [this is] what we're going to do to perform every single day."
While he has occasionally served as a DH since breaking into the Majors in 2017, the 28-year-old Devers has been Boston's primary third baseman since his debut.
Devers, who signed an 11-year, $331 million extension with the Red Sox in January 2023, expressed his desire early in Spring Training to be Boston's everyday third baseman moving forward despite the club's decision to sign Bregman for three years and $120 million in February. Weeks later, Devers softened his stance, saying he would be open to serving as the DH.
Defensively, Bregman has been the superior player at third base, and he won his first Gold Glove last year with Houston. Since 2017, when Devers made his MLB debut, Bregman has +21 defensive runs saved at the hot corner, whereas Devers' DRS is -62. Bregman has +26 outs above average over the same span; Devers has -28.
Devers' strength has clearly been his offense throughout his career. Since 2019, his slash line is .285/.352/.524 with 169 home runs, and he has won two Silver Slugger Awards.
"He's been working hard, not only with his swing, but with the routine," Cora said of Devers. "The kid is ready to go. He's going to hit second, against lefties and righties, and he's going to DH.
"I think having Alex behind him is going to benefit him. Honestly, I expect a great season from Raffy offensively."
Boston will open this season against the Rangers in Arlington at 4:05 p.m. ET on Thursday.