Craig Breslow Clearly States What Red Sox ‘Need’ From Rafael Devers In 2025

Whether it was his shoulder, knee or another ailment, Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers never was at 100% health during the 2024 season.

He labored through the injuries to still play in 138 games — his lowest total in a full season since 2018 — and batted .272 with 28 home runs and 83 RBIs.

It was still good production from Devers but a tick below what has come to be expected from the three-time All-Star third baseman. And the Red Sox know that a clean bill of health for Devers during the 2025 season is imperative and could be the difference in him being a complete game-changer in Boston’s order.

“Raffy is someone who has been a leader by example by his actions and has tremendous respect from the staff and clubhouse,” Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow told reporters Tuesday, per team-provided video. “I think showing up early, working hard and committing himself to getting in great shape and working on his game on both sides of the ball is absolutely going to benefit him, but ultimately, he needs to be healthy, and he needs to stay healthy. We’ve seen what a healthy Raffy Devers is capable of doing in the middle of the lineup. He’s carried us for weeks at a time, and (we) expect a great season out of him.”

Devers certainly put the time in to make sure he’s stronger for his ninth MLB season. Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters that Devers showed up to Boston’s spring training facility three weeks ago before departing this past Friday to spend some time with family. Devers will be back by the time the Red Sox hold their first full-squad workout next Monday.

And while rumors swirl about the Red Sox possibly adding Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado, both of whom play the same position as Devers, the Red Sox are just trying to keep Devers focused on himself.

“We’ve been talking about everything from what we’re trying to accomplish roster-wise to what we need to accomplish for him,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters, per team-provided video. “And I think right now the main thing is not decisions or additions or whatever, it’s for him to have a healthy camp. He had a good offseason as far as the shoulders. He’s in a good spot.”

Bregman and Arenado, who is a 10-time Gold Glove winner, could serve as a substantial defensive upgrade over Devers at the hot corner — Bregman could potentially play second over third if he signs with the Red Sox. Devers has never been known for his glove work and committed 12 errors last season, which was the fewest in a season in his career but still the most by any American League third baseman.

Defensive improvements are needed out of Devers and the Red Sox believe he took the necessary steps to turn himself into a better all-around player.

“Regarding defensive metrics: I think we have focused on a few kind of specific goals that Raffy worked really hard to accomplish,” Breslow said. “Defensive metrics can be misleading at times because of the sample and because of the way that one play can kind of skew the overall picture. We’ve been happy with the work and know he takes a ton of pride in his defense. Obviously, the headline is what he does in the batter’s box, but he takes a lot of pride in trying to be the most complete player he can.”