If Alex Verdugo steals more bases in 2023, Rafael Devers might deserve some of the credit.
Devers relentlessly trolled Verdugo during Tuesday's spring training workout in Fort Myers. The star third baseman repeatedly called Verdugo "slow," and it made for a couple of hilarious mic'd up exchanges between the Boston Red Sox teammates.
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Devers: You are slow, bro.
Verdugo: What?
Devers: Yeah!
Verdugo: No!
Boston Red Sox
Devers: How many stolen bases did you have last year?
Verdugo: Seventeen.
Devers: Pffft. If you had seventeen...
You can watch the full mic'd up clip below:
Neither Devers nor Verdugo is known for their speed on the basepaths. Last season, Devers had three stolen bases to Verdugo's one. Devers also has the edge in career steals, 24-15.
Devers won't be asked to steal many bases in 2023, either. Instead, the two-time All-Star will look to produce another 30+ homer season that puts him in the MVP conversation. He'll anchor the Red Sox lineup for years to come after signing a long-term contract extension this winter.
Verdugo reportedly is seeking a long-term extension of his own. The 26-year-old hit .280 with 11 homers, 74 RBI, and a .732 OPS in 152 games last season.