The situation between Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox appears to be reaching a critical point. The third baseman has emphatically stated he won’t move positions to accommodate newly-signed Alex Bregman, who will play second. If Boston attempts to shift him to designated hitter, the relationship could become untenable, forcing the Red Sox to consider trading their three-time All-Star. Here are six potential landing spots.
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners desperately need offensive production to complement Julio Rodriguez, Randy Arozarena, and Cal Raleigh. Devers, with 200 home runs, an .856 OPS, and 126 OPS+ over his eight-year career, could be the missing piece to pair with their elite pitching staff for a playoff push.
Detroit Tigers
After a surprising playoff run in 2024, the Detroit Tigers aim to build on their success. Adding Devers’ bat would strengthen a young lineup featuring Riley Greene, Colt Keith, Parker Meadows, and Kerry Carpenter.
San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants fans would welcome watching Devers launch home runs into McCovey Cove. His presence would bolster a lineup already featuring Willy Adames, Matt Chapman, Heliot Ramos, and a returning Jung Hoo Lee, making San Francisco more competitive in the tough National League West.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Another NL West team that could use Devers’ services is the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks, seeking to build on their surprising 2023 World Series appearance, could insert Devers into an already formiddable lineup alongside Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, Eugenio Suarez, and Josh Naylor.
Related: MLB rumors name New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks players who will be traded
Baltimore Orioles
Despite making the playoffs the last two seasons, the Baltimore Orioles have gone 0-5 in postseason games. With one of baseball’s best young cores featuring Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, Baltimore’s new ownership could make a splash by acquiring Devers. While divisional rival trades are rare, the O’s have the prospect capital to entice Boston.
Washington Nationals
Yes, the Washington Nationals should trade for Rafael Devers. The Nationals, rebuilding around elite prospects James Wood and Dylan Crews, sit a few years away from contention. Adding an All-Star caliber bat in Devers would accelerate their timeline and legitimize a franchise that has struggled in recent years.
Related: Washington Nationals shockingly option young All-Star with 8 games left in season
