Rafael Devers, the beloved Red Sox third baseman, has been a cornerstone of the team’s success in recent years. However, as the offseason approaches, there is a growing belief that moving Devers to a different position could unlock even greater potential for the Red Sox.
Moving Devers away from third base has several potential benefits:
- Improved defense: Devers has been a reliable fielder at third, but he has shown some limitations in range and arm strength. Moving him to a less demanding position, such as first base or designated hitter, could improve the Red Sox’s overall defense.
- Increased playing time: Third base is one of the most physically demanding positions in baseball. By moving Devers to a less strenuous position, the Red Sox could reduce his injury risk and ensure his availability for more games.
- Offensive boost: While Devers is a talented hitter, he has occasionally struggled at the plate from the left side. Moving him to a position that allows him to bat from the right side (either first base or DH) could improve his offensive production.
If Devers is moved off third base, there are two primary positions that he could fill:
- First base: Moving Devers to first base would require the Red Sox to find a new third baseman. However, it would also open up the designated hitter spot for Devers to bat from the right side.
- Designated hitter: The designated hitter role would allow Devers to focus solely on hitting and avoid the rigors of fielding. However, it would mean less playing time for him overall.
The possibility of moving Devers off third has generated mixed reactions:
- Supporters: Many believe that a move would benefit both Devers and the Red Sox. They argue that improving his defense, increasing his playing time, and boosting his offensive production are all worthwhile goals.
- Opponents: Others feel that Devers should remain at third base. They believe that his defensive skills are underrated and that moving him would create an unnecessary hole in the infield. They also argue that Devers is more valuable to the team as a third baseman.
Statistical analysis supports the argument for moving Devers off third base. According to Baseball Reference, Devers has been an average defender at third, with a career UZR/150 of -1.4. This suggests that he is not among the elite defensive third basemen in the league.
Additionally, research has shown that hitters who bat from the right side tend to have a higher on-base percentage and slugging percentage than those who bat from the left side. This suggests that moving Devers to a position that allows him to bat from the right side could improve his offensive production.
The decision of whether or not to move Rafael Devers off third base is a complex one. There are valid arguments to be made on both sides, and the Red Sox will need to carefully weigh all of the factors involved.
However, the potential benefits of a move are significant. If Devers can improve his defense, increase his playing time, and boost his offensive production, it could unlock even greater potential for the Red Sox. Ultimately, the decision will be up to the team’s front office, but it is a decision that could have a major impact on the team’s success in the years to come.
The potential move of Rafael Devers off third base is not just an issue for the Red Sox; it has broader implications for the game of baseball.
In recent years, there has been a trend towards teams moving their best defenders to less demanding positions. This is due in part to the increasing importance of analytics, which has helped teams identify players who may be better suited for different positions than they have traditionally played.
If the Red Sox do move Devers off third, it could set a precedent for other teams to do the same. This could lead to a significant shift in the way that teams approach defense and roster construction.
