Rafael Devers, the Boston Red Sox’s third baseman, is calling for the team’s front office to make moves to strengthen the roster as spring training gets underway. Despite signing a lucrative 10-year contract with the Red Sox in January 2023, Devers expressed concerns about the team’s current composition and the need for improvements to enhance their chances of winning.
Devers had a solid performance in the previous season, hitting .271 with 33 home runs and 100 RBIs in 153 games. However, the Red Sox finished last in the competitive AL East with a 78-84 record. The team’s offseason activities were relatively subdued, with a few signings and trades, but Devers believes more needs to be done to address the team’s weaknesses, particularly in pitching, as indicated by their 21st-ranked team ERA of 4.52.
In other MLB news, Stephen Vogt has taken over as the manager of the Cleveland Guardians, marking his first managerial role at any level. Vogt emphasized the opportunity for a fresh start and encouraged his team to embrace new challenges as they head into the new season.
The Cincinnati Reds are dealing with an early injury concern as infielder Matt McLain is sidelined with an oblique injury. Despite the setback, Reds’ manager David Bell remains optimistic about McLain’s recovery and his role as the expected starting second baseman.
The Toronto Blue Jays, under manager John Schneider, are focusing on the present season and looking for ways to improve their postseason performance after being swept in their AL Wild Card Series in the past.
Lastly, Nationals prospect Dylan Crews made a strong impression in his first live batting practice at spring training, hitting an opposite-field homer. Crews, a highly regarded prospect, is seen as a key part of the Nationals’ future as they aim to rebuild their roster following a series of last-place finishes in the NL East since their 2019 World Series victory.
