Despite finishing with a 81-81 record, missing the playoffs, and staying below the .500 mark for the third straight year, the Boston Red Sox still managed to deliver one of the most potent offenses in MLB in 2024. Led by breakout player Jarren Duran, who topped the team in WAR with 8.7 and led the American League in both doubles (48) and triples (14), the Red Sox scored 751 runs.
This placed them fourth in the American League and ninth overall out of all 30 MLB teams. Heading into 2025, with the addition of free agent Alex Bregman and the return of healthy fourth-year first baseman Triston Casas, who missed 99 games last season, the Red Sox are expected to see even greater offensive production.
Concerns Surround $315.5 Million Star Rafael Devers
The Boston Red Sox are looking for more from All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers, who enters the second year of his 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension as the focal point of the team’s lineup. Devers struggled with a lingering left shoulder injury last season, and later added a right shoulder injury in late July. He posted a .205 batting average in his last 42 games before landing on the injured list on September 21 due to his shoulder issues, effectively ending his season.
Since making his MLB debut in 2017 at just 20 years old, Devers has hit 200 home runs over eight seasons with the Red Sox. However, after the All-Star break in 2024, he hit just five home runs out of his total of 28. His second-half OPS dropped to .727, a sharp decline from his .965 OPS before the All-Star break.
Devers avoided surgery on either shoulder after an MRI revealed only inflammation without structural damage. At that time, he was expected to be fully ready for the start of 2025 Spring Training. However, manager Alex Cora recently revealed that Devers is not yet fully recovered. He has not started throwing yet due to ongoing discomfort in his shoulder, although he has been taking ground balls. Cora also noted that Devers’ swing at the plate has looked good so far. Whether Devers will be ready for Opening Day remains uncertain.
Devers Could Be Shifted to DH Role
With the addition of Alex Bregman, who won the American League Gold Glove at third base in 2024, Devers’ future at third base is now under scrutiny. There is growing debate over whether Devers should continue playing in the field or transition to a full-time designated hitter role.
Cora emphasized 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, though he deferred to Devers for further comments. “He’ll talk to you guys tomorrow, be honest with you guys and go from there.”
Devers has been working out at the Red Sox training facility in Fort Myers, Florida, for several weeks and arrived before other position players. He was present on Sunday but skipped Bregman’s introductory press conference, as reported by Red Sox beat reporter Chris Cotillo. Devers is scheduled to hold his first media session of the season on Monday, though he has not spoken publicly since the end of last season.
