The Boston Red Sox are having it rough in the 2025 season, balancing playoffs with a roster reshaped by the massive trade of Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. As the trade deadline comes closer, insider Adam Jones has offered advice and a roadmap for the team’s next moves that could help them find their footing again.
Moves That Red Sox Have To Make To Get Back on Track After Devers’ Departure
The Red Sox’s decision to send Devers to the Giants for prospects Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks, Jose Bello, and James Tibbs III showed their willingness to rebuild and put their chips on youngsters. Currently holding a playoff spot and sitting just 4.5 games behind the Yankees, Boston is set to go all-in.
Adam Jones, speaking on his recent podcast, urged the team to trade prospects for pitching help. “I’d call the Seattle Mariners,” he said, highlighting Luis Castillo as a prime target. If that fails, he suggested contacting the Marlins for Edward Cabrera or Sandy Alcántara, despite the former Cy Young winner’s struggling 7.00 ERA.
⏰@JonesWEEI explains what the Red Sox should do now that Devers is gone in 60 seconds:
⚾️Trade prospects for pitching help
⚾️Inquire about Luis Castillo, Edward Cabrera, Sandy Alcántara, Taylor Ward, & Eugenio Suárez
⚾️Play the youth full-time
⚾️Wong, Hamilton, Bernardino gone pic.twitter.com/YB2Kevrr8M— Jones & Keefe (@JonesandKeefe) June 19, 2025
However, according to the insider, pitching shouldn’t be the only focus. Jones also advised a right-handed bat to strengthen the middle order, naming Taylor Ward and Eugenio Suárez as potential fits. The slim pickings make these acquisitions very important for the team’s current state.
Equally important is committing to the youth movement. Jones praised prospects like Anthony and Mayer, even suggesting Kristian Campbell get more playing time. However, he was blunt about moving on from veterans: “I punt David Hamilton, Connor Wong, and Brennan Bernardino into the sun. Don’t need to see them.”
This youth push comes as the Red Sox sent Campbell back to Triple-A Worcester before facing the Giants. The 22-year-old rookie had impressed the stands with a .301 average in April but slumped to .223 since May. With Alex Bregman nearing a return from injury, infield adjustments are evident, and Marcelo Mayer’s versatility could see him at second base.
The Red Sox open a three-game series against Devers and the Giants on Friday night in San Francisco. This matchup will test Boston’s retooled lineup and provide a glimpse of their trade deadline strategy in action. Manager Alex Cora has yet to detail plans for second base, but the focus remains on integrating young talent.
In the end, Jones’s advice of securing a pitcher like Castillo could solidify the rotation for Boston, while adding a bat like Ward would balance the lineup. If owner John Henry resists further moves, Jones even jokingly suggested selling the team. For now, the Red Sox’s playoff push hinges on these calculated risks as they face their former star.