This week’s mailbag covers the Rafael Devers situation, potential Vladimir Guerrero Jr. scenarios, fits for Anthony Rizzo, whether the Braves should’ve traded Sean Murphy, and questions involving the Mets and Phillies.
Clarke asks:
Devers says 3B is his, Story is at SS, Campbell at 2B and Casas says he’s at first and Bregman is at 2B and to heck with the kids. Meanwhile, Yoshida insists he’s ready to DH and play outfield. Sounds like an accident waiting to happen. What say you?
Elden asks:
What would be the outcome of a player refusing to accept an assignment decision made by the club management? ex: Devers refusing to give up 3B or Stroman refusing to work out of the bullpen. Would it be grounds to void a contract? suspension? other remedies?
It’s a mess, and it’s why I didn’t think Bregman was a good fit for the Red Sox. Here’s a potential 2025 plan:
I think there’s a fair chance Bregman misses 20 or so games due to injury. Third base would well-covered in that case with Devers, perhaps Campbell in a pinch, and maybe Marcelo Mayer when he’s ready.
Story is 32 and hasn’t topped 94 games in a season since 2021, so the Red Sox may need to cover 40+ games at shortstop. He could be backed up by Mayer, Campbell, or even Bregman.
If Campbell falters as a rookie, various options open up for Alex Cora given that the team still has a bunch of other second base possibilities beyond Bregman.
There’s a pretty good chance Casas misses 20+ games due to injury. It makes tons of sense for Devers to work at first base in spring training, as he could get 40+ games as an infield corner backup even if Bregman and Casas are the starters.
A lot of different injury scenarios push Yoshida into more playing time, though Cora will probably want to sit him for Rob Refsnyder against most lefties. Wilyer Abreu needs a platoon partner as well.
What about a scenario where everyone is healthy and the younger players are hitting to their projections?
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