Despite finishing with an 81-81 record and missing the playoffs for the third straight year, the Boston Red Sox boasted one of MLB’s stronger offensive performances in 2024. Led by breakout star Jarren Duran—who posted a team-high 8.7 WAR while leading the American League in doubles (48) and triples (14)—the Red Sox lineup generated 751 runs.
That total ranked fourth in the American League and ninth among all 30 MLB teams. Looking ahead to 2025, Boston’s offense is expected to improve even further with the addition of free-agent signing Alex Bregman and the return of first baseman Triston Casas, who missed 99 games last season due to injury.
Questions Surround $315.5 Million Star Rafael Devers
The Red Sox need a stronger performance from All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers, who is entering the second year of his 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension as the focal point of Boston’s lineup. Devers battled a lingering left shoulder injury last season and later suffered an additional injury to his right shoulder in late July. His struggles were evident in the final 42 games before landing on the injured list on September 21, as he hit just .205 during that stretch.
Since making his MLB debut at 20 years old in 2017, Devers has launched 200 home runs over eight seasons with Boston. However, in 2024, he managed just five of his 28 homers after the All-Star break. His second-half OPS fell significantly to .727, a sharp decline from the .965 mark he posted before the break.
Fortunately, an MRI revealed no structural damage in Devers’ shoulder, allowing him to avoid surgery, though inflammation remained a concern. Initially expected to be fully ready for 2025 Spring Training, Devers is still not at 100%. Manager Alex Cora revealed Sunday that the slugger has yet to begin throwing due to ongoing shoulder discomfort, though he has been fielding ground balls. On the positive side, Cora noted that Devers’ swing has looked solid at the plate.
His availability for Opening Day remains uncertain.
Devers May be Destined for DH Role
With the arrival of Alex Bregman, the 2024 American League Gold Glove winner at third base, Rafael Devers now finds himself at the center of a debate about whether he should remain at third or transition to a full-time designated hitter role.
Despite the uncertainty, manager Alex Cora emphasized that Devers is handling the situation well, noting his extensive experience with 942 starts at third base since his Red Sox debut.
“He’s happy we have Alex,” Cora said, before deferring to Devers for further comment. “He’ll talk to you guys tomorrow, be honest with you, and we’ll go from there.”
Devers has been training at the Red Sox facility in Fort Myers, Florida, for several weeks and officially reported ahead of other position players. While he was present on Sunday, he did not attend Bregman’s introductory press conference, according to Red Sox beat reporter Chris Cotillo of MassLive. As Cora mentioned, Devers is set to address the media on Monday, marking his first public comments since last season.
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