Logic prevails in Red Sox's infield dilemma

The Boston Red Sox had a potential problem on their hands.

The Red Sox had signed third baseman Alex Bregman to a three-year deal worth $120 million shortly before spring training began. Bregman, the defending AL Gold Glove winner at third, lengthened the Red Sox lineup and provided a drastic upgrade at third over Rafael Devers.

However, Devers was unwilling to give up his spot at the hot corner. He had adamantly stated that he was a third baseman and refused to be relegated to designated hitter duties. Bregman, therefore, would be moved to second base, a position he had not appeared at since 2018.

Ultimately, logic prevailed. Devers had a change of heart and said that he is willing to be the Red Sox DH.

Moving Devers to the DH role is the right move as the Red Sox look to return to the postseason. He has been one of the worst defensive third basemen in the game, leading the American League in errors every year since 2018. Devers has cost the Red Sox 80 runs in his career, making third base a black hole defensively.

Bregman, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the better defensive third basemen in the game. He has saved 28 runs at third over his nine years in the majors, including an American League-best 12 runs in 2024. The difference between Bregman and Devers defensively should make an impact in the standings.

Moving Devers to the DH role will have an impact elsewhere as well. Second base is a question mark with Vaughn Grissom, David Hamilton and prospect Kristian Campbell all vying for the starting role. Campbell has struggled thus far and may have played his way back to Triple-A.

Grissom and Hamilton have been solid defensively in their limited major league action. Grissom saved three runs defensively in 30 games at second in 2024; Hamilton saved five runs, ranking fifth in the AL despite making just 39 appearances at second. Either option adds another solid defender next to shortstop Trevor Story.

The Red Sox pitching staff should also improve due to this defensive alignment. Newcomer Walker Buehler has a 45.0% ground-ball rate in his career, checking in just above average. Tanner Houck and Brayan Bello are both extreme ground ball pitchers. Each of them should preform better due to the improved defense.

In a division as tight as the AL East, every win is magnified. The Red Sox are putting themselves in the best position possible to steal a win or two with their defense. Logic has finally prevailed as Bregman will take over at third base.