Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers criticized the organization’s roster construction and lack of offseason spending during a media availability session.
Devers expressed disappointment and called for adjustments to help the team win.
He mentioned that everyone knows what the team needs but there are some things he can’t openly say.
Rafael Devers didn't hide his feelings about the Red Sox roster pic.twitter.com/8C5KlsKzVT
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 20, 2024
The Red Sox have struggled in recent years, missing the playoffs and making only one postseason appearance in the last five years.
Despite failing to sign marquee free agents or make significant trades, the team seems to be focused on the future.
Devers emphasized the missed opportunities and the team’s failure to provide adequate support when needed.
As Devers begins the first season of his 10-year, $313 million contract, he openly expressed his frustrations over the lack of ambition in building a competitive roster.
Pitching was highlighted as a major need for the Red Sox, with Devers stating that the team is aware of what they require.
The team’s major addition to the rotation was Lucas Giolito, signed to a two-year, $38 million contract.
However, Giolito’s performance declined in recent seasons, causing concern among fans and players. Devers mentioned that he had expressed his concerns to the team’s management.
Overall, Devers’ comments shed light on the dissatisfaction within the organization regarding the roster construction and the missed opportunities to compete.
The team’s lack of ambition in addressing their needs, particularly in the pitching department, has left players like Devers frustrated.
Simply could not have been a more embarrassing offseason for Red Sox ownership pic.twitter.com/sUor67aDVE
— Red Sox Stats (@redsoxstats) February 20, 2024
The Guardians claimed a 29-year-old pitcher off waivers from the Angels who had a 6.89 ERA in six starts with them. However, he struggled even more with a 7.04 ERA in six starts with Cleveland.
The Red Sox’s rotation options include Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, Garrett Whitlock, and Tanner Houck, but they lack inspiration.
They traded their former ace Chris Sale to the Braves for 23-year-old infielder Vaughn Grissom.
The Red Sox recently added All-Star reliever Liam Hendriks, but he won’t be available until later in the season due to injury.
Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen, who is in the second year of his contract, expressed frustration with the team’s projected last-place finish in the AL East.
He remains dedicated to his craft and wants to give his best on the field.
The Red Sox also made a trade for Cardinals’ outfielder Tyler O’Neill after trading Alex Verdugo to the Yankees.
Since winning the 2018 World Series, the Red Sox have reduced their payroll significantly, with the projected amount for 2024 being $195 million.
This is below the competitive balance tax threshold.
The Red Sox could potentially sign a top-tier free agent without exceeding the luxury tax.
Both Devers and Jansen have expressed concern about the team’s commitment to winning and have publicly questioned the ownership’s priorities.
The Red Sox franchise, known for its success, should not settle for a middle-of-the-pack payroll.
Fans reacted as follows.
Need more ice cream.
— The Skippers View (@TheSkippersView) February 20, 2024
More food?
— Yankees Treehouse (@YanksTreehouse) February 20, 2024
Need more treadmill time
— corbin burnes is a Yankee (in 2025) (@Snickidy) February 20, 2024
Need every damn thing
— Herm (@DeonteBanksMVP) February 20, 2024
This is the most pointless tweet I’ve ever come across and that’s saying something because I follow the athletics
— Dathan Ritchey (@DathanRitc85087) February 20, 2024
Love franchise Red Sox players calling out that team
— YankeeFan 4ever (@Ghost_Fendiii) February 20, 2024
These comments calling raffy fat are absolutely hilarious when Yankee fans haven’t had a 3B in over a decade and he owns your team every single time we play.
— Chaim Boomer (@Papasox69) February 20, 2024
Outfield, pitching, bullpen, youth, middle infielders, catcher
— BuffaloSportsToday (@BUFsportsTODAY) February 20, 2024
Yankees fans calling him fat. He doesn’t need to run he homers on u guys every time
— Brad (@Brad32383134) February 20, 2024
Only a matter of time before Devers demands a trade. No reason a 27 yr old in the prime of his career would want to stay with this dumpster fire of an organization. pic.twitter.com/bLLAD356N0
— Mark Ierardi (@kram93291) February 20, 2024
You know its the last thing he wants to say too, but its so obvious he cant avoid it. Dude just wants to win games for AC and hit homers
— Nick DeMarco (@NickDeMarxo) February 20, 2024
Starting to make me actually wish MLB stars had the sway NBA stars do over roster decisions because at least these guys want to win
— blessed king of posting (@socialistbcrumb) February 20, 2024
Maybe time to trade for some pitching prospects since they have none… ughhh what a mess Sox have made…
— Stephen Slayter (@stephenslayter) February 20, 2024
The lifelong fans deserve better and much more than "We are selling the whole Fenway experience"!!
Give us a good team that has a chance at the world series and that will be the Fenway experience fans will want to see!!!
BTW, I've been a Red Sox fan since 1973!!— Tim Hannula (@TimHannula) February 21, 2024
Full quote translated pic.twitter.com/RBrRGOJukv
— Jorge (@_jorgemag) February 20, 2024
Embarrassing to say the least. Who wants to play here now? Why would they? Absolutely ruining this team.
— Kirks Water Bottle (@Kirks_water) February 20, 2024
The crazy thing is they could still turn it around completely before opening day. No indication they will, but the opportunities are still there.
— Luap Ongicser ☃️ (@PaulRescigno) February 21, 2024
