Red Sox Make Decision on $90 Million Slugger Amid Rafael Devers Drama

The Boston Red Sox have logged a losing record to start the season as some major changes have carried a bit of drama.

The front office brought in Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, Aroldis Chapman and others in hopes of ending a playoff drought. But when they signed perennial All-Star Alex Bregman to play third base, it seemed to irk franchise slugger Rafael Devers.

Devers initially balked at the idea of giving up his long-time position at third to accommodate Bregman. The Red Sox opened the year with Devers as a full-time designated hitter, but after a season-ending knee injury to first baseman Triston Casas, it seemed like the team might ask him to move again.

Shifting Devers to first base would give him the chance to join the defense again and open up the DH position to others. In particular, that might offer a home for Masataka Yoshida now that he has recovered his ability to swing.

But as the Red Sox try to adjust their lineup, the team has been steadfast in a decision on Yoshida’s return.

“Until he is ready to play the outfield, the Red Sox have no plans to add him to the roster,” Peter Abraham reported for The Boston Globe. “Yoshida is able to swing without restrictions — ‘no problem,’ he said — but the Red Sox don’t need a lefthanded designated hitter with Rafael Devers already in that role.”

Yoshida is in the third year of a $90 million contract he signed with the team in 2022.

After ruling out Yoshida for an offense-only role, the Red Sox might be signaling their conclusion on Devers. The team has been sticking with a platoon of Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro at first, despite the fact that neither player has played a full major-league season up to this point.

But even if they do move Devers again or try a new option at first, it seems Yoshida won’t be returning until he recovers his ability to throw.

“The Red Sox have said they only want to bring Yoshida back if he can play in the outfield,” per Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic.

Bringing Yoshida back to DH might make sense for the team on paper, particularly as it seeks an offensive boost, but it appears to be off the table.

Related Posts

🚨REPORT: Will Richard Snub Further Prove Warriors’ Painful Stephen Curry Reality? — Could This Latest Development Mean the Warriors Are Headed for Tough Times Ahead? Fans are questioning if the team can build around Curry with all these setbacks..ll 👇👇👇

WILL RICHARD’S SNUB FROM RISING STARS TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS’ LACK OF HIGH-LEVEL TALENT BEYOND STEPHEN CURRY SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors have…

Cardinals Prospects Resurface on Contenders While Fans Reflect on Missed Potential

IMAGE: Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos (8) celebrate his game-winning sacrifice fly during the tenth inning with outfielder Harrison Bader (2) against the Minnesota Twins at Citizens…

Cardinals Back Nolan Gorman in Crucial Season With Bold Offseason Moves

IMAGE: Imagn Images The Cardinals are heading into 2026 with a clearer sense of direction-and a bit more urgency. After a 2025 season that felt more like…

🚨BREAKING: Freddy Peralta Gets Brutally Honest on Possible Mets Contract Extension — Is Peralta Ready to Stay in New York, or Is He Eyeing a Fresh Start? Fans are hanging on every word as the pitcher opens up about his future with the Mets..ll 👇👇👇

FREDDY PERALTA EYES SUCCESS WITH NEW YORK METS, BUT FUTURE WITH TEAM STILL UP IN THE AIR NEW YORK — The New York Mets made a splash…

Evan Carter Shines for Rangers in 2025 With One Surprising Stat

IMAGE: Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter (32) slides into home to score against Kansas City Royals catcher Luke Maile (17) during the fifth inning at Kauffman…

🚨EXCLUSIVE: Catching Up with N.Y. Mets’ Draftee, Cameron Tilly — What’s Next for This Rising Star After His Big Draft Day Moment? Fans are eager to see how Tilly will impact the Mets’ future as he gears up for his journey in the MLB..ll 👇👇👇

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) — For many aspiring athletes, playing major league baseball is the ultimate dream, but it’s a goal that requires relentless dedication, hard work, and…