The Boston Red Sox may now be open to trading Rafael Devers, as tensions between the star slugger and the front office have reached a boiling point. According to MassLive’s Christopher Smith, Devers was frustrated by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow’s request for him to play first base following Triston Casas’ injury. Devers publicly criticized the front office, claiming the team went back on its offseason promise that he would only serve as the designated hitter.
His comments didn’t go over well in the clubhouse either, as the Boston Herald‘s Gabrielle Starr reported that some teammates were displeased with the way Devers aired his grievances.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller has listed the Chicago Cubs as a top trade destination for Devers. With uncertainty around Kyle Tucker’s future in Chicago, the Cubs might look to make a big move that could both boost their playoff hopes and convince Tucker to stay long-term. Third base has been a weakness for the Cubs after top prospect Matt Shaw struggled and was demoted to Triple-A Iowa. Devers would give them a proven bat at the hot corner, stabilizing the position.
While Devers is not known for his glove — part of the reason Boston shifted him to DH — his offensive production easily offsets his defensive shortcomings. The Cubs have outfield prospects like Kevin Alcántara and Owen Caissie to cushion the blow if Tucker departs, but adding Devers would immediately address a critical need and reinforce their push for National League contention.
