Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers has no interest in seeing any time at designated hitter this season.
"I told them no," Devers said of being asked to play DH, per Julian McWilliams of the Boston Globe. "I'm a third baseman."
The Red Sox signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120-million contract, leading to speculation that Devers could see more time away from the position he's played throughout his career.
"Third base is my position," Devers said, according to MLB.com's Ian Browne. "It is what I've played. I've made it clear (to Red Sox manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow) what my desire is."
Devers signed a 10-year, $313.5-million contract extension in January 2023 that'll keep him with the Red Sox through the 2033 season.
"Decisions are going to be made here about roster construction and what we're going to do in the future, and we're going to make sure we have the best team possible out there," Cora said. "He has a lot of pride. We know that, and he feels like he's the third baseman, he's going to work out as a third baseman, and then we're going to make decisions accordingly."
The 28-year-old was non-committal about his future if the Red Sox move him away from third base in favor of Bregman.
"That's a tough answer to give," Devers said, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. "I haven't given it much thought. I've been here my entire career. I haven't asked myself that question. I'm open to listening. I'm not close to those conversations."
Devers is a three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, and one-time World Series champion over eight seasons with the Red Sox. He posted an .871 OPS with 28 home runs, 34 doubles, and 83 RBIs across 138 games last season.
