The Boston Red Sox have been trying to figure out what to do at first base following the season-ending injury to Tristan Casas. While star DH (and recent third baseman) Rafael Devers seems like the obvious choice, Devers has caused a lot of drama by refusing to play the position.
The drama and critical public comments have caused headlines around the entire league. The relationship between Devers and the team does not appear healthy at all right now. While Devers is locked up on a long-term contract, many are wondering if this drama could lead to a trade sooner than later.
MLB Insider Discusses Boston Red Sox Possibly Trading Rafael Devers
The Red Sox committed to Devers at third base, even with rumors surrounding the team’s interest in free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. It wasn’t until the team signed Bregman at the beginning of Spring Training that Boston approached Devers about shifting to DH. Devers was not happy with the move at the time and did not appreaciate how the Red Sox handled the situation.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and MLB Senior Insider for Foul Territory recently discussed this situation in Boston. In a recent column, Rosenthal opined that the Red Sox should leave Devers at DH right now since they already moved him around.
Plus, Devers has already experienced a learning curve when moving to DH. It will be asking a lot for him now to suddenly learn a new position on the fly while also hitting at a star level.
Fair Territory!
*Devers/BOS
*Ridiculous Rockies
*Red-hot STL, MIN
*Cade Horton’s debut for CHC
*Cherington’s future with PIT
*Luis Robert Jr./NYM
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Spotify: https://t.co/a9iaSR21q6 pic.twitter.com/iMUb3EnizN— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal)
While all sides have made some good points, everybody in this situation appears to be somewhat in the wrong. But whichever side you agree with, this issue surrounding Devers’ position on the team does not look like it will go away anytime soon. So, many have naturally thought about the potential of a future trade.
“The idea of a trade at some point isn’t all that far-fetched,” Rosenthal wrote. “Even with Devers owed more than $250 million, including a portion deferred. For a hitter of his quality, the contract soon might look like something of a bargain, at least compared to Juan Soto’s $765 million and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s $500 million.
Even if Bregman exercises his opt-out and departs as a free agent, the Sox can play top infield prospect Marcelo Mayer at third, leaving Devers without a position and possibly without a team. His contract does not include a no-trade clause, only a $2 million assignment bonus if the Sox send him to another club.”
Devers is currently under a 10-year $313.5 million contract with Boston. He will not be a free agent until after the 2033 season at 37 years old.
Though trade rumors are in their infancy, many have connected Devers to the Chicago Cubs. Chicago has one of the best offenses in MLB this season and is currently in first place in the National League Central. Plus, there is a lot of pressure on the Cubs to win this season after years of rebuilding and a disappointing 2024 campaign.
In one of the largest markets in the country, the Cubs are one of a few teams that can afford to acquire Devers’ contract. On top of that, the team has received little production offensively from third basemen this season. Devers might represent a missing piece that could immediately take the Cubs to legitimate World Series contenders.
In 42 games this season, Devers has hit .280 with seven home runs and 31 RBIs. He also has one stolen base and a .398 on-base percentage.
Like Chicago, Boston is under pressure to make the playoffs this year. However, the team has sputtered to a 22-20 record. Trading Devers away wouldn’t help the team win more games. But if there is enough drama and distrust between player and team, a trade might be the only way to go.