Despite finishing with a record of 81-81 and missing the playoffs for the third straight year, the Boston Red Sox still managed to produce one of MLB’s top offenses in 2024. Led by breakout star Jarren Duran, who topped the team in WAR with 8.7 and led the American League in doubles (48) and triples (14), the Red Sox hitters scored 751 runs. This ranked fourth in the AL and ninth overall across all 30 MLB teams. Heading into 2025, with the addition of free agent Alex Bregman and the return of first baseman Triston Casas, who missed 99 games last year due to injury, the Red Sox are expected to improve their offensive output.
However, the Red Sox need more from their All-Star third baseman, Rafael Devers. As he enters the second year of his 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension, Devers is expected to be the centerpiece of Boston’s lineup. He struggled last season with a lingering left shoulder issue, which was worsened by a right shoulder injury in July. Devers posted a .205 batting average in his final 42 games before being placed on the injured list in September. Although he’s hit 200 home runs since debuting in 2017, he only hit five of his 28 home runs after the All-Star break, with a notable dip in his OPS from .965 before the break to just .727 afterward. Fortunately, an MRI showed no structural damage, only inflammation in the shoulder, so Devers avoided surgery and was expected to be ready for Spring Training in 2025.
But on Sunday, Red Sox manager Alex Cora delivered disappointing news: Devers is not yet fully recovered. The slugger has not started throwing yet due to lingering shoulder discomfort, though he has been taking ground balls. Cora mentioned that Devers’ swing at the plate has been looking good, but it remains unclear whether he’ll be ready for Opening Day.
Adding to the uncertainty, with the signing of Bregman, a 2024 Gold Glove winner at third base, Devers now faces a potential switch to a full-time designated hitter role. Cora reassured that Devers is handling the situation well, despite having made 942 starts at third base for the Red Sox since his debut. “He’s happy we have Alex,” Cora said, but deferred to Devers for any further comments. Devers has been working out in Fort Myers, Florida, for weeks and made his official arrival at camp before other position players. However, he skipped Bregman’s introductory press conference and has not spoken publicly since the end of last season. Devers is expected to address the media for the first time on Monday.