Throughout the offseason, we'll periodically give a detailed look at one position on the Red Sox roster.
TODAY: Third base
Barring something unforeseen over the next four months, Rafael Devers will return as the team's starting third baseman. His uncertain future with the organization -- he'll be eligible for free agency after next season -- represents an ominous cloud hanging over the organization. Devers has emerged as one of the top hitters in the game, and if the Sox don't extend him, he would create a gaping hole in the lineup.
MAJOR LEAGUE OPTIONS
RAFAEL DEVERS
AGE: 26
STATUS: Signed through 2023
COMMENT: Devers is an elite run producer, even if his 2022 season was something of a step backward. Thanks to a hamstring injury, his performance dipped in the second half and nearly every significant category (OPS, homers, RBI) saw him regress. On the bright side, Devers had what was easily his best season in the field, having worked at improving his range and also becoming more consistent with his release point and throws. He may never qualify as a Gold Glove candidate, but he's no longer anywhere near a liability.
40-MAN ROSTER DEPTH OPTIONS
BOBBY DALBEC
AGE: 27
STATUS: Under control through 2026
COMMENT: With the Red Sox firmly committed to Triston Casas at first base, and with Eric Hosmer (for now) still on the roster, Dalbec has slipped further down the depth chart at first base. If Hosmer is dealt elsewhere, that could change, as he would provide a righthanded bat to provide a backup to Casas. But for now, it's more likely that he periodically shows up at third, where he played in college. Dalbec may lack great range at third, but he possesses a strong and accurate playing arm, and if Devers gets some DH at-bats during the season, Dalbec could fill in at third.
HOY PARK
AGE: 27 (in April)
STATUS: Under control through 2028
COMMENT: Park was acquired in a minor trade with Pittsburgh in November. A former star in South Korea, he's played 68 games in the big leagues over the last two years, split between the Yankees and Pirates. Park offers defensive versatility -- he's played second base and shortstop, too -- and profiles as a solid defender wherever he plays in the infield. He lacks power, but has plus speed -- if he can get on base enough to take advantage of it. If he sticks on the major league roster, it will be as a backup infielder, but with Dalbec, Hosmer and Arroyo also in line to make the team, there may not be room for him.
MINOR LEAGUE INVENTORY
This is not a position of strength at the upper reaches of the system, which won't be an issue providing Devers is extended. If he leaves, the Red Sox would seem to not have a logical replacement, or at least, not one who's fully emerged.
ALEX BINELAS
Binelas had a terrific 2022 at High A Greenville (.851 OPS, 14 homers in 58 games), but struggled mightily once he moved up to Double A Portland (.633 OPS with 78 strikeouts in 55 games) Part of the return in the Hunter Renfroe trade, Binelas has plus power, but big contact issues, too. Can he make the necessary adjustments to access his power more, or are the swing-and-miss problems going to plague him throughout his career. Another potential issue is his defense -- Binelas, though he played more third than first this past year, is probably best suited for either first or left field eventually.
BLAZE JORDAN
Like Binelas, Jordan is a bat-first, powerful hitter. He came to prominence as a high schooler, where he won home run-hitting contests and grabbed attention with his tape-measure blasts. In his second season of pro ball, Jordan hit just 12 homers in 120 games. But he also made pretty consistent contact, batting .289 and keeping his strikeout totals within reason. He'll turn 20 later this month, so he still has time on his side. Like Binelas, he's played third more than any other position, but also like Binelas, despite above-average arm strength, the consensus is that he'll probably have to move off third should he make it to the majors.
FREE AGENT TARGETS: Does not apply.
TRADE TARGETS: Does not apply