Whether or not it was his shoulder, knee or one other ailment, Boston Crimson Sox star Rafael Devers by no means was at 100% well being in the course of the 2024 season.
He labored by means of the accidents to nonetheless play in 138 video games — his lowest complete in a full season since 2018 — and batted .272 with 28 house runs and 83 RBIs.
It was nonetheless good manufacturing from Devers however a tick under what has come to be anticipated from the three-time All-Star third baseman. And the Crimson Sox know {that a} clear invoice of well being for Devers in the course of the 2025 season is crucial and might be the distinction in him being a whole game-changer in Boston’s order.
“Raffy is somebody who has been a frontrunner by instance by his actions and has large respect from the workers and clubhouse,” Crimson Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow instructed reporters Tuesday, per team-provided video. “I believe exhibiting up early, working arduous and committing himself to getting in nice form and dealing on his sport on each side of the ball is totally going to profit him, however finally, he must be wholesome, and he wants to remain wholesome. We’ve seen what a wholesome Raffy Devers is able to doing in the midst of the lineup. He’s carried us for weeks at a time, and (we) anticipate an excellent season out of him.”
Devers definitely put the time in to verify he’s stronger for his ninth MLB season. Crimson Sox supervisor Alex Cora instructed reporters that Devers confirmed as much as Boston’s spring coaching facility three weeks in the past earlier than departing this previous Friday to spend a while with household. Devers can be again by the point the Crimson Sox maintain their first full-squad exercise subsequent Monday.
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And whereas rumors swirl concerning the Crimson Sox presumably including Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado, each of whom play the identical place as Devers, the Crimson Sox are simply attempting to maintain Devers centered on himself.
“We’ve been speaking about the whole lot from what we’re attempting to perform roster-wise to what we have to accomplish for him,” Crimson Sox supervisor Alex Cora instructed reporters, per team-provided video. “And I believe proper now the principle factor shouldn’t be selections or additions or no matter, it’s for him to have a wholesome camp. He had a great offseason so far as the shoulders. He’s in a great place.”
Bregman and Arenado, who’s a 10-time Gold Glove winner, might function a considerable defensive improve over Devers on the scorching nook — Bregman might probably play second over third if he indicators with the Crimson Sox. Devers has by no means been identified for his glove work and dedicated 12 errors final season, which was the fewest in a season in his profession however nonetheless essentially the most by any American League third baseman.
Defensive enhancements are wanted out of Devers and the Crimson Sox consider he took the mandatory steps to show himself into a greater all-around participant.
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“Relating to defensive metrics: I believe we have now centered on a couple of sort of particular targets that Raffy labored actually arduous to perform,” Breslow mentioned. “Defensive metrics may be deceptive at instances due to the pattern and due to the way in which that one play can sort of skew the general image. We’ve been proud of the work and know he takes a ton of delight in his protection. Clearly, the headline is what he does within the batter’s field, however he takes loads of delight in attempting to be essentially the most full participant he can.”
