Red Sox head coach Cora: Devers serves as the designated batter of the day Bregman at third base

Boston Red Sox head coach Alex Cora made a clear statement over WEEI radio Wednesday afternoon, ending questions about Rafael Devers' time allocation with Alex Bregman at third base. Korra announced that Devers would serve as the team's daily designated batter and that Breegman would guard third base daily.

"We had a lot of conversations throughout the spring training and Devers made his feelings clear," Kora said, "and we made the decision. Alex (Bregman) will guard third base with Rafael (Devers) as the designated striker. Our common goal is to win and he understands that. "

"It's like everything – you don't have to agree with everything, but in the end we choose the one that's best for your daily performance. "

Despite occasionally serving as a designated batter since his major league debut in 2017, the 28-year-old Defus has been the Red Sox's main third baseman. The striker, who signed an 11-year, $331 million contract extension with the team in January 2023, expressed a desire to continue to guard third base early in spring training — even after the team signed Bregman for three years, $120 million in February. After a few weeks, Devers relented and expressed his willingness to accept the assigned strike role.

Defensively, Bregman was clearly the better third baseman, having won his first Golden Glove with the Astros last year. Since making his major league debut in 2017, Breegman has had a Defensive Run Savings (DRS) of +21 on third base, compared to -62 for Devers. During the same period, Breegman had an Out-of-Game Manufacturing Value (OAA) of +26 and Devers of -28.

Devers' strength has always been in attack. Since 2019, he's batted .285/.352/.524, hit 169 home runs and won two Silver Bat Awards.

"He's not only polishing his swing, he's perfecting his daily training routine," Korra said of Devers, "and the kid is ready." He will be fixed in the second batter and act as a designated striker regardless of whether he throws left or right. "

"I think having Alex [Brigman] behind him would benefit him. Honestly, I'm expecting Rafael to have a great season on the offensive end. "

The Red Sox kick off the season Friday at 4:05 a.m. CST in Arlington, Texas, taking on the Rangers on the road.