Boston Red Sox fans are in a frenzy after Rafael Devers stated he has no intention of leaving third base. This has sparked a debate among fans and analysts regarding the best approach for manager Alex Cora. New addition Alex Bregman has offered flexibility, expressing his willingness to play any position, while teammate Triston Casas staunchly defended Devers, claiming he is the best third baseman in the league. Despite the tensions, Cora has maintained a calm demeanor, indicating that there is no significant discord within the team.

As Spring Training progresses, Bregman has been practicing at both second and third base. Given his accolades, including a Gold Glove from last season, many argue he is a stronger defender than Devers. Analysts like Jim Bowden suggest sticking with an alignment featuring Casas at first, Bregman at second, Story at short, and keeping Devers at third to keep morale high, noting that moving Devers to designated hitter is not advisable at this stage. However, others believe that such a move could open opportunities for promising prospects like Kristian Campbell and Ceddanne Rafaela. Ultimately, the alignment will evolve as players’ performance unfolds during the season.

Entering 2025, the third base position is brimming with talent, highlighting a compelling landscape for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. José Ramírez maintains his top spot at 32, showcasing impressive stats throughout the years. Rafael Devers, age 28, remains a strong candidate alongside an improved Red Sox lineup. Austin Riley, despite a dip in performance, shows potential for a bounce-back season. Junior Caminero's raw power at just 21 is tantalizing, while Jordan Westburg, returning from injury, offers a well-rounded skill set. Manny Machado continues to deliver consistent power, adding value to dynasty leagues.

Royce Lewis' injury history raises concerns, but his upside could yield notable returns. Mark Vientos, fresh off a breakout season, and Matt Shaw are both set to make substantial impacts. Alex Bregman, now with the Red Sox, adds depth to the position as well. The future of third base is bright, making players like Ramírez and Devers pivotal in shaping fantasy leagues.

The San Diego Padres are facing a challenging offseason as they seek to reduce payroll. Key players under consideration for trades include Luis Arraez and Jake Cronenworth. While trading these players could alleviate some financial burden, MLB insider Mark Feinsand cautions that the Padres may not secure sufficient value in return. Arraez is set to earn $14 million in his final season before free agency, and Cronenworth has six years and $73 million left on his contract, making substantial returns uncertain.

The Padres had hoped to trade players after acquiring Roki Sasaki, but that plan fell through when Sasaki opted to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers instead. The Dodgers have been active in the free-agent market, signing former Padres players Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates, further intensifying the pressure on San Diego. Meanwhile, other NL West rivals, like the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks, have strengthened their rosters with notable signings.

Despite the urgency, A.J. Preller, the Padres' president of baseball operations, suggests the team's strategy may involve making moves later in the offseason, expressing confidence in the core roster while acknowledging the need for additional talent. The Padres must navigate the difficult balance of shedding payroll while enhancing team performance amidst a competitive division.

The MLB Players Association has announced its leadership for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt taking on a key role as one of the two Player Representatives.

He joins Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien, who retains his position. Other new appointments include Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes and San Diego Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth as alternate representatives.

Bassitt, entering his 12th MLB season, has had a notable career, including a strong performance in 2023, and is now poised to influence the players' union significantly.

Nolan Arenado is at the forefront of trade discussions, with multiple teams expressing interest in the St. Louis Cardinals' third baseman. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox are leading contenders, with the Dodgers' connection stemming from Arenado's childhood fandom and recent social media activity.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi highlighted the growing list of potential suitors, including the San Diego Padres and Detroit Tigers, as they seek to enhance their rosters. The key factor in any trade will be how much of Arenado's contract the Cardinals are willing to absorb.