Part 4/7:
The conversation also highlights crucial performance metrics. Devers has struggled defensively, leading the league in errors at third base since 2018. His defensive weaknesses are coupled with ongoing concerns about shoulder health, which the team hopes to manage by limiting his time at third in favor of DH opportunities. Ultimately, the team's decision reflects a desire to balance defense with the need for offensive output.
When discussing the implications of these role changes, analysts have pointed out that if the Red Sox miss the playoffs by a slim margin, fans might rue the missed opportunities of having a top-tier defender at third base—raising the stakes even higher for choosing a lineup that best suits their capabilities.