That "E" behind Rafael Devers has become very symbolic.
The first two games of the 2021 season have only added to the ongoing concerns about Rafael Devers' ability to adequately play third base. For the past couple of years, his continuing miscues have led many to suggest that he needs to be shifted across the diamond to first base.
In 2017, his rookie season, Devers committed the fourth-most errors (14) among MLB third baseman, despite playing in just 56 games. In 2018, Devers led the major leagues with 24 errors. In 2019, he led all major league third basemen with 22 errors. Last season, he once again led the majors with 14 errors in just 57 games. Additionally, Devers had the lowest fielding percentage among major league third basemen in two of the past three seasons.
A really troubling pattern has been established, and it can no longer be ignored.
The idea has been floated, in the media at least, of moving Devers to first base and shifting Bobby Dalbec, a natural third baseman, to the hot corner. However, Devers has never played first and he would likely bring his defensive struggles with him across the diamond.
And the designated hitter spot is blocked by JD Martinez, who is under contract through the 2022 season.
The Red Sox may be running out of patience with Devers. And he could face some strong internal pressure from within the organization.
Tristan Casas is ranked as to the top prospect in Boston's farm system and No. 44 overall by MLB.com. The 21-year-old has played both first and third base in the minors, as has current first baseman Dalbec. Last year, I suggested that the Sox could shift Dalbec to third when Casas is brought to the majors, making Devers a trade chip.
While it might seem outlandish to suggest trading Devers, a player who is just 24 and isn’t eligible for free agency until after the 2023 season, he is a stone-cold defensive liability and his four-year track record is not an aberration. His youth and affordability would would make him an attractive trade chip to many clubs, who might be able to use him as a DH. As always, the Red Sox need starting pitching.
However, Casas has just 433 minor league at-bats, meaning he is not yet ready for the majors. He will open this season with the High-A Greenville Drive, likely putting him at least a year or year-and-a-half from the majors.
The problem is that the Sox may not be able to wait that long for Devers. His defensive shortcomings are the kind of liability that results in losses. One way or another, this cannot continue indefinitely.
If Devers can revert to his 2019 offensive form, when he batted .311, slugged .555 and led the majors with 359 total bases, it could make up for his defensive miscues. In essence, he may be able to win more games with his bat than he’ll lose with his glove. But, after his reversion in 2020, that possibility remains nothing more than hope right now.
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