FORT MYERS, Fla. — Rafael Devers often uses a translator when engaging with the media, as was the case Monday afternoon when he sat down at the talkin’ bench outside the Red Sox clubhouse at JetBlue Park. But no translator was needed when, just a tick more than three minutes into the conversation, Devers was asked how he’d feel if the Red Sox asked him to be their designated hitter so that the newly signed Alex Bregman can play third base.
Advertisement “No,” Devers said. He was asked again if he’d be willing to be Boston’s designated hitter. “No,” he said.
“I play third,” Devers said in English. What if the team insisted he be their designated hitter? “No.” What about playing first base? “No.
” The late Red Sox president Larry Lucchino was fond of saying the Sox are in the “yes” business. Rafael Devers is in the “no” business. Now then, does this mean Devers will get his wish and continue playing third base for the Red Sox? No chance.
We know this to be true because of a couple of things Devers said during his media session, which led to something Red Sox manager Alex Cora said a few minutes later that should put the entire matter to rest. GO DEEPER Rafael Devers not looking to DH after Red Sox sign Alex Bregman First, we’ll give you the Devers quotes, which he delivered in Spanish with translation by Daveson Pérez from the team’s media relations staff. Referencing the 10-year, $313.
5 million contract extension he signed a couple of.