Could strained relations between Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox lead to a trade? One MLB insider thinks it is possible.
In a new column, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic suggested that the idea of a Devers trade “isn’t all that far-fetched.” Rosenthal questioned how much the Red Sox are committed to Devers long-term.
Though Devers signed a 10-year contract prior to the 2023 season and is still owed over $250 million, Rosenthal does not believe the contract would be a limiting factor in a trade. In fact, Rosenthal thinks the deal could become a bargain in light of recent deals signed by Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr, both of whom signed for over $500 million.
Devers is angry after the Red Sox moved him off third base in the offseason, then asked him to play first after a season-ending injury to Triston Casas. He suggested that the organization was not honest with him in permanently asking him to move to DH. The situation is concerning enough that ownership flew on their current road trip to try to smooth things over with Devers.
Devers is still just 28, and would likely fetch a significant haul if traded. His poor play on defense helped necessitate his switch to DH, and that might somewhat limit his value, but he has been one of the best hitters in baseball in recent years.
Entering play Monday, Devers is hitting .280 with seven home runs. He probably will not be traded anytime soon, but if the tension lingers into the offseason, this may be something to watch.
