Rafael Devers Declines Interviews Amid Controversy Over Position Change

The Boston Red Sox are facing internal debate and public speculation over how to fill the void at first base following Triston Casas' season-ending injury. While many analysts and insiders believe moving Rafael Devers to first base would benefit the team, manager Alex Cora has publicly maintained that Devers will remain the designated hitter, and Devers himself has declined multiple interview requests on the subject. This silence is widely interpreted as Devers' attempt to avoid a repeat of the media backlash he experienced after being moved from third base to DH following the high-profile signing of Alex Bregman. Some believe Devers' hesitation stems from pride or frustration, but others note he has recently excelled at DH and may simply be cautious about further changes or media scrutiny. Several commentators, including Lou Merloni and Sean McAdam, argue that transitioning Devers to first would maximize the lineup’s potential and help the team adapt more flexibly to injuries. However, for now, the Red Sox appear to be proceeding with alternative options at first base while the situation and Devers’ willingness remain unresolved.