Rafael Devers DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers is very unlikely to play third base before the end of spring training, according to manager Alex Cora. Devers dealt with injuries to both of his shoulders last year and didn't resume swinging until the start of spring training, which resulted in him not making his Grapefruit League debut until just last weekend. Additionally, the BoSox signed third baseman Alex Bregman in the offseason, which makes Devers' move to more of a full-time role as the designated hitter more probable, even if Boston has yet to announce it. Not only is Bregman the better defender at the hot corner, but using Bregman at third and Devers at DH will open up a spot for prospect Kristian Campbell at second base. Devers is still a starting third baseman in all fantasy leagues, but it's possible that he could lose 3B eligibility going into 2026.

Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (shoulder) and outfielder Wilyer Abreu (illness) are in the starting lineup on Saturday. Devers will be the DH and bat in the two-hole while Abreu will cover right field and bat eighth. Devers has been dealing with a shoulder injury throughout most of camp. There have been reports that he could begin the season exclusively as a designated hitter. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but seeing him return to the starting lineup is a positive sign. Abreu battled an illness throughout camp and even lost some weight as a result. The team may opt to increase his workload slowly during the remainder of camp to ensure he is ready for Opening Day. During the regular season, Devers will likely see time at the hot corner and at DH while Abreu will see most of his starts in right field.

Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (shoulder) said he will be fine if the team wants him to serve as the designated hitter on Opening Day. "I don't make those decisions," Devers said after talking to chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and manager Alex Cora a few weeks ago. The 28-year-old has changed his tune after saying on Feb. 17 that "third base is my position. I play third." Devers is finally scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut this Saturday after working on his swing during spring training following issues with both of his shoulders last year. Meanwhile, new addition Alex Bregman is a Gold Glove third baseman and has been at the hot corner all spring. Devers could see time at third at some point in 2025, but all signs are pointing to him opening the year as the full-time DH with Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) starting on the injured list.