Boston Red Sox owner John Henry, accompanied by team president Sam Kennedy and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, traveled to Kansas City on Friday to address escalating tensions with star third baseman Rafael Devers. The meeting aimed to resolve a dispute that intensified after Devers, who had been moved to designated hitter following the acquisition of Alex Bregman, refused to switch to first base after Triston Casas suffered a season-ending injury. Devers expressed frustration over being asked to take on multiple defensive roles, stating that he was told in spring training he would strictly be a DH. The strain between Devers and the front office, particularly with Breslow, has become increasingly apparent, with Devers questioning Breslow’s understanding of position changes despite his own playing experience.
Breslow emphasized that the meeting’s goal was to reinforce core values and teamwork within the organization. However, Devers’ public remarks and behavior have reportedly not been well-received by his teammates, causing additional unrest in the clubhouse.
This situation presents a significant challenge for the Red Sox, who recently demonstrated a renewed commitment to winning by signing Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal. The team’s handling of Devers, who is under a $314 million contract, will be closely watched as they navigate internal dynamics and strive for success in the 2025 season.
