The Boston Red Sox think they have conducted some addition by subtraction by trading Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. Their next step could be to simply replace Devers in the lineup through another trade.
The Red Sox are still contemplating their approach to the July 31 trade deadline, but could still be buyers. If they do buy, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic believes it is possible that the team will target a big bat in a trade as a replacement for Devers.
It is unclear what sort of bats might be available at the trade deadline, though the reality is none will be as good as Devers was. Boston will not be able to replace all of his production in one move, but their lineup could use some pop. After the Devers trade, only three players on their roster have double-digit home runs this season.
The Red Sox could benefit from this approach, as manager Alex Cora seems to want to be aggressive in trying to win now. Making some attempt to make up for Devers’ lost production might meet his approval.
No matter what, the Red Sox have some work to do to get fans back onside after trading Devers. The way they have handled the aftermath of the deal has not exactly been perfect, either.
