Rafael Devers Refuses to Repeat Past Mistake After Second Snub by Alex Cora Leads to Uncertainty in Clubhouse

It started with a press conference. One that Rafael Devers probably wishes he’d never held.

Back in spring, after the Red Sox inked Alex Bregman to a megadeal and pushed Devers out of his longtime home at third base, Devers stepped up to the mic. He tried to handle it like a leader—addressing the media, answering every question, making it clear he was willing to do what was best for the team. Instead, his words were twisted, the drama exploded, and the moment spun out of his control. Lesson learned. Fast forward to this week, and Devers has gone radio silent.

Following the season-ending injury to Triston Casas, the natural question emerged: Would Devers step in at first base? It would keep his bat in the lineup while reintroducing him to the dirt. But when asked, manager Alex Cora didn’t hesitate: “He’s my DH.” Just like that.

No conversation. No wiggle room. Not even a chance. For the third time in 36 hours, Devers has declined media interviews, fully aware of the questions that await, as Chris Cotillo of Mass Live confirmed. On a fan’s tweet about how Devers can actually “be good at” first base, Cotillo responded, “Devers does not want to talk about this for whatever reason.”

FWIW: Devers does not want to talk about this for whatever reason. He has declined interview requests from the beat three times in the last 36 hours knowing what the line of questioning is going to be. https://t.co/9h25oaRner

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) May 5, 2025

It’s not anger, sources say—it’s restraint. Devers is choosing not to relive the backlash that followed his last attempt to be transparent. He’s staying quiet, perhaps because saying anything now could fracture the clubhouse just as it’s finally finding its groove.

Inside that locker room, the silence speaks volumes. Some players quietly wonder what Devers is feeling. After all, this isn’t just about positions—it’s about identity. Devers has been the face of the Red Sox for years. Now he’s watching others play the positions he once owned, while being asked to limit himself to DH duties at just 28. And even with a glaring hole at first base, he’s not even in the conversation.

Cora defended the move with logic—first base isn’t an easy switch. But that’s not all he said. He grabbed the opportunity to clear the air on the whole position change drama from spring training, claiming, “In the beginning, he didn’t agree with it, and now he’s very comfortable doing what he’s doing.”

There’s no fiery quote from Devers this time. No mic drop moment. Just a player who’s been burned before, choosing to let the silence do the talking. And around the Red Sox clubhouse? That silence is starting to echo.

If not Rafael Devers, then what’s next for Boston?

With Casas likely done for the year and Devers off-limits at first base, the Red Sox suddenly have a glaring hole at a crucial position. The clock is ticking, and standing pat doesn’t feel like a luxury this team can afford. So what’s the play here? Instead of making a splashy trade or rushing a top prospect, Boston is rolling the dice with Romy González and Abraham Toro.

Boston, MA – July 10: Boston Red Sox 1B Romy Gonzalez strikes out in the sixth inning. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

González, who’s been used mostly as a utility man, suddenly finds himself starting at first base. It’s a role he’s rarely played in the big leagues. As for Toro, who was called from Triple-A Worcester, he brings experience as a switch-hitting infielder. But, he has limited time at first base in the majors. Boston could gamble that Toro and González are serviceable, but neither brings the impact bat or glove that could carry a postseason push.

The front office may have to dip into the trade market sooner than planned, especially if Boston wants to keep pace in a ruthless AL East. But beyond the roster puzzle, the bigger question is cultural. Can the Red Sox afford to keep sidelining Devers from defensive responsibilities without damaging morale? At some point, the team will have to either fully empower him or risk alienating him. One thing’s clear: staying quiet won’t work forever.

In the end, Boston may be in win-now mode, but winning requires more than talent—it demands trust. Right now, that’s what’s most at stake.

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