As Spring Training begins, the Boston Red Sox might have a brewing issue with franchise cornerstone Rafael Devers.
Following the team’s acquisition of Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman, the 28-year-old Devers has made it clear that he has no intentions of shifting to a designated hitter role—he firmly believes third base is where he belongs. Manager Alex Cora has reaffirmed throughout the offseason that Devers remains the team’s starting third baseman, which suggests Bregman may need to transition to second base instead.
For his part, Bregman has expressed a willingness to play wherever the team needs him, but Devers’ apparent frustration has sparked trade speculation. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer recently outlined eight “wild” trade scenarios that could see the 2018 World Series champion dealt elsewhere.
Rymer did acknowledge that trading Devers is “probably overly dramatic” at this stage, but he also pointed out that the Red Sox are somewhat responsible for the speculation due to the situation they have created.
Trade Proposal: Devers to the Phillies
One of Rymer’s more intriguing proposals involves a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies:
Phillies receive: Rafael Devers (3B)
Red Sox receive: Alec Bohm (3B), Nick Castellanos (RF), Aidan Miller (SS)
Miller, Philadelphia’s No. 3 prospect, was selected 27th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft and recently reached Double-A. The young shortstop has expressed a strong desire to make it to the major leagues as soon as possible.
Bohm, now entering his sixth MLB season, has shown steady improvement, making his first All-Star appearance in 2024 while posting career highs in doubles (44) and total bases (248). He finished last season with a .280/.332/.448 slash line, 15 home runs, and 97 RBIs. While Bohm has primarily played third base, he also has experience at first, though the Red Sox already have 25-year-old slugger Triston Casas occupying that role.
As for Castellanos, the 33-year-old outfielder has been a durable and productive hitter, making All-Star teams in 2021 and 2023. He played all 162 games last season, hitting 23 home runs with 86 RBIs. However, with Gold Glove winner Wilyer Abreu manning right field for Boston, Castellanos’ presence could create a logjam.
Other Bold Trade Scenarios
Rymer also proposed potential trades involving the Dodgers, Angels, and Blue Jays:
- Dodgers: Devers for two-time All-Star Max Muncy, utilityman Chris Taylor, top pitching prospect Bobby Miller, and shortstop Alex Freeland. This move would reunite Devers with Mookie Betts, forming a formidable left side of the infield in Los Angeles.
- Angels: Devers for three-time AL MVP Mike Trout, rookie pitcher Samuel Aldegheri, and a staggering $100 million in cash.
- Blue Jays: A straight-up swap of Devers for four-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who could hit free agency after the 2025 season.
While a trade involving Devers remains unlikely given his 11-year, $331 million contract extension signed before the 2023 season, speculation continues to swirl as the Red Sox navigate their infield situation.
