In the wake of Rafael Devers, publicly repressing the Brass Red Sox for asking to move to the first goal, the main owner of the Red Sox, John Henry, went to Kansas City for a meeting with the team’s franchise player.
Baseball director Craig Breslow and CEO Sam Kennedy also made the trip to Kansas City, where the Red Sox should play three games this weekend. Henry, however, was the only one of the three to have spoken with Devers, told Breslow to journalists. Red Sox manager Alex Cora was also in the room.
“John, Sam and I stole earlier in the day, it was actually John who spoke directly with Raffy,” said Breslow on Nesn. “We had the impression that it was important, on the basis of the situation that took place yesterday, to come here and to have an honest conversation on what we appreciate as an organization and what we think is important for the Boston Red Sox and it is to be great teammates for each other. And so we think we had a productive conversation. John seems to have had a productive conversation. And this is where things are now. ”
Breslow was invited to explain what he meant by a great teammate.
“I think it’s n ° 1, being honest and open with communication,” he said. “I think it recognizes when there is an opportunity to intensify, when it is necessary that the group is before any success or individual accomplishment. And I think it is important that this is reinforced given what we hope to accomplish.”
Henry’s unforeseen trip to Kansas City to meet Devers was very unusual and underlines the seriousness of the situation. He also dates back to an unforeseen trip Henry made during the 2023 off -season when he flew to the Dominican Republic to lock the contract extension of 313.5 million dollars with Devers, the largest contract in the history of the franchise. At the time, sources of the league said that the meeting with Henry had pushed the agreement to the completion of Devers. That he realized the 28 -year -old man.
The Red Sox may hope that a meeting similar to Kansas City will be able to smooth things with its star player.
Breslow was asked why it was so important that the group flies away and Henry meets deals.
“I think that on the basis of the way things went very publicly yesterday, there was an opportunity to solve this problem and strengthen what we think is important, which was important for this ownership group, which is important for players, staff and the front office,” he said. “We were able to do it and, obviously, Raffy is a very large and important part of this team. I think it is important that these things are treated head on. ”
Breslow said that even if he was not in the conversation, Henry relayed, it was an “honest and frank exchange”.
In his remarks Thursday, Devers discussed a meeting he had with Breslow last weekend after the injury at the end of the season of Triston Casas during which Breslow asked him to play the first goal.
“I am not sure of what he has (problem) with me,” said a team translator, referring to Breslow, who played 12 seasons in the majors from 2005 to 17. “He played ball and I would like to think that he knows that changing positions as it is not easy.”
Alex Bregman produced 2.0 war in his first season with the Red Sox, by Fangraphs. (Winslow Townson / Getty images)
The frustrations come from the team asking Devers to go from the third goal to the designated striker in spring training after signing Alex Bregman to play the third. Devers reluctantly accepted this decision, but said that he would no longer move.
He said he thought that the Red Sox did not remain faithful to the word asking him to move positions again.
“I think they should do their work essentially, hit the market and look for another player,” said Devers. “I don’t know why they want me to be between the two.”
Breslow said that he understood that Devers was frustrated and labeled his initial conversations with the first base as “exploratory”.
“My reaction was potentially a misunderstanding on communication or an opportunity to provide communication more clearly,” said Breslow. “And I hope it was a step in the right direction here today.”
Breslow added that he had not yet spoken to Devers since his comments on Thursday, but soon plans.
Devers seemed to be blinded by the signature of Bregman in spring training and the request for moving to DH, repeating several times earlier in the camp that it would not be DH if it was requested. He finally came to the idea. Breslow asked if he regretted how he had managed the situation during the offseason and in the camp.
“Obviously, it is regrettable that we are in the situation that we are right now,” he said. “But as each decision approaches, you try to provide as much clear communication as possible. It is my work to always put the priorities of the organization first. But I should also assess all the interactions I have with the players and I will continue to do it.
(Photo: Tim Heitman / Imagn Images)
