The Boston Red Sox’s choice to trade Rafael Devers was a complex decision influenced by more than just his on-field performance. Amid this, rookie outfielder Kristian Campbell has come forward to refute claims of friction between himself and Devers over the first base position following Triston Casas’s season-ending injury. Campbell insisted that the narrative suggesting Devers was upset over his willingness to learn first base is inaccurate.
Campbell Details How the First Base Role Came About
Contrary to reports by Yahoo Sports’ Joon Lee, Campbell clarified that he did not volunteer to learn first base independently. Instead, Campbell explained that the Red Sox organization approached him with the request after Casas’s injury left a gap at first base. Campbell agreed to take on the position to support the team’s needs.
Campbell emphasized their good relationship, saying,
“First off, Raffy never came to me. Never had a problem with it. We were always cool. He is an extremely great friend, extremely great person. Very kind person and a good teammate. Secondly, I never went to the Red Sox wanting to play first base. They came to me and asked me if I could play first base because we didn’t have one at the time. That’s when (Triston) Casas went down. I said I would do it if it makes the team better. I would be willing to learn the position. That’s basically how it went down.”
—Kristian Campbell, Red Sox Rookie Outfielder
Campbell Publicly Denies Any Discord with Devers
During a conversation with Triple-A Worcester reporters following his demotion, Campbell reiterated that his relationship with Devers remains strong and free of conflict. Social media clips captured his statements clearly denying rumors of tension. He described Devers as calm, talented, and an excellent teammate.
“We were completely cool. He’s an extremely great player, extremely great person. Very calm person and a good teammate.”
—Kristian Campbell, Red Sox Rookie Outfielder
Rafael Devers Addresses the Situation Before Facing His Former Team
Devers, now with the San Francisco Giants, spoke briefly about the rumors prior to his first game against Boston since the trade. He dismissed suggestions of any anger towards Campbell and expressed a desire to focus on his future rather than the past.
“Again, I didn’t say anything like that,”
said Devers, via his interpreter, when asked about the reported dispute.
“I really don’t want to talk about it. I want to concentrate on what is ahead for me.”
—Rafael Devers, San Francisco Giants Third Baseman
Devers also mentioned that had the Red Sox asked him in spring training to play first base, he would have considered it, indicating flexibility in his role despite the trade.
Examining the Impact of These Clarifications
While Devers kept details about his trade and feelings toward Campbell private, Campbell’s candidness strongly suggests that earlier reports misrepresented the situation regarding first base duties. The clarification provides a clearer understanding that the decision was organizationally driven rather than a source of personal conflict.
Looking forward, Devers is expected to be highly motivated to demonstrate his value in the upcoming series against the Red Sox, showcasing the talent the team traded away. This renewed focus could shape the narrative of his first return to Boston as an opponent.