That is a very valid point, but not everything falls so neatly into off-season vs in-season buckets. Boston is in a very competitive division and fighting to make the playoffs. Can they wait until the off-season to train up Devers? Not really because, by then, Casas or someone else will be ready to play 1B and the need will be gone.
The need is now. Casas is going to miss considerable time and they need a regular 1B which they do not have on the bench. They could call up Campbell or Mayer or someone else and have them learn on the fly, but we know it is hard enough transition to the Majors without learning a new position too.
From the team POV, the culture they are working on instilling with the players is what the Phillies already have due to leadership from guys like Harper, Schwarber, Wheeler etc. Bregman is another step in that direction, coming from Houston that had that team ethic as well.
Again, a very valid point, but Devers only wants to be a position player on his OWN terms. It was 3B or nothing. Bringing in Bregman made it clear that conversation was over which ticked Devers off I'm sure. I cannot blame him for that, but, once the decision is made, one can pout or make the best of it. DH is not a bad gig, he gets to hit which is what he wants to do most and what he is really good at doing. The team gets a better defensive 3B and another good bat in Bregman. Win-Win.
Bregman to 1B is not a bad idea and could be a way to smooth over the issue, but Devers is bad at 3B and everyone knows it. The whole point of Bregman was vet leadership and a better 3B. Moving him to 1B negates half of the value and puts the team back at square 1 with Devers.
I think, once the discussion of Turner going to 2B or the OF comes along, he will be open to the possibility because it will be clear he can no longer play a passable SS and/or clearing up his defensive struggles would help him focus on his offense. You're right, that is not where Devers is in his career which is why this is a trickier problem for Boston.
