Rafael Devers Holds Key Meeting with Red Sox Owner John Henry: What This Means for the Future

As the Red Sox faced off against the Royals, team owner John Henry, CEO Sam Kennedy, and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow flew to Kansas City to address recent comments from star player Rafael Devers. Devers expressed his frustration about a potential shift to first base and felt that management’s requests were unreasonable. To clear the air, Henry and manager Alex Cora had a private meeting with Devers before Friday’s game.

While none of the key figures spoke about the meeting afterward, Breslow shared that Henry described their talk as an “honest and candid exchange.” Breslow emphasized the importance of open communication within the team. He noted, “Recognition of when the team’s needs come before individual accomplishments is crucial.”

Devers had earlier voiced his concerns about Breslow’s inquiry regarding a position change. Breslow acknowledged that there might have been a miscommunication and stated his intention to improve clarity in future discussions. He accepted some responsibility for the misunderstanding: “It’s my job to prioritize the organization, but I also need to evaluate every interaction I have with players,” he said.

The situation highlights a significant subplot for the Red Sox this season. After playing third base for eight years, Devers is now a full-time designated hitter, allowing Alex Bregman to take over at third. Despite initially agreeing to adapt, Devers has expressed a strong preference for his original position.

With Triston Casas sidelined due to knee surgery, options for first base became limited. Switching Devers could solve this problem but would require him to adjust once again. This has understandably led to his frustration.

Players seem to be staying tight-lipped about the controversy. Trevor Story noted, “We’re all adults and we’ll figure this out eventually. It’s about winning games.”

The implications of this situation may resonate throughout the season. As adjustments are made and relationships are tested, it remains to be seen if Devers will ultimately shift to first base or continue as a designated hitter.

For more on the ongoing dynamics of the Red Sox, check out MLB’s coverage.

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