Three teams that make the most sense!
The relationship between Rafael Devers and the Red Sox is starting to fray, and fast.
Before the season began, Devers made it clear: he’s a third baseman, not a designated hitter. But with former chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom, who gave Devers a $313.5 million extension and assured him he’d stay at third, now gone, the Red Sox have started testing the waters. Craig Breslow, Bloom’s replacement, didn’t make the deal. And he’s already shown he’s willing to shift Devers around the diamond, and to some extent, test his patience.
When asked to slide over to first base following an injury to Tristan Casas, the 27-year-old flatly refused. And he didn’t hold back in voicing his frustration: “I don’t understand some of the decisions that the GM makes.”
It’s hard not to read between the lines here. The Red Sox, who are trying to be competitive after being active buyers in the 2025 offseason, may see this as an opportunity to offload a huge contract while still getting serious value in return. Devers is only in the second year of a 10-year, $313.5 million deal that stretches with deferrals through 2043. Any acquiring team would owe him an extra $2 million on top. That’s a hefty price for a player who’s currently being used as a DH. But at 28, Devers is more than capable of manning third base, and on most teams, he’d be the clear-cut starter there. Boston’s situation is unique only because of the presence of Alex Bregman, a two-time Gold Glove winner.
ALSO READ: Why Should Rafael Devers Be the One to Move, Again?
So, if Devers and the Sox are heading for a split, who makes the most sense as a trade partner? Here are three clubs that should be lining up if Devers hits the market.
The Cubs are finally playing like a team with postseason ambitions. They lead MLB in runs and look the part of a contender. But third base remains a question mark, and adding a bat like Devers would supercharge an already strong lineup.
Jon Berti and Nicky Lopez have been serviceable, but they’re not long-term solutions. Devers, who ranks in the top one percent in average exit velocity this season, could be. He’d bring thunder from the left side and slot in nicely with the emerging core: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, and now Kyle Tucker — all surrounded by steady vets like Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki, and Ian Happ.
ALSO READ: Kyle Tucker Free Agency: Could Dodgers Steal Him from the Cubs?
He also fits Chicago’s timeline. The Cubs haven’t made the playoffs since 2020, and Devers would give them a centerpiece-level hitter with postseason experience (26 career games) who still has years of prime production ahead of him.
What could complicate a deal? Tucker is due for a massive payday this winter, and the Cubs may be hesitant to take on another long-term financial commitment. Plus, 2023 first-rounder Matt Shaw has shown flashes at third base and may be seen as the future at the position. But if Chicago is serious about contending in the National League, and about challenging the juggernaut Dodgers, Devers could be the difference.
Don’t look now, but the Tigers are 26–14 and leading the American League. They’re fourth in runs scored and, for the first time in years, have a core that looks playoff-ready. The one thing they’re missing? A consistent, superstar bat.
Devers would immediately become that guy. Andy Ibáñez has bounced around defensively and could easily move into a utility role if Devers took over third. Spencer Torkelson has been hot, Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene are delivering from the left side, and the recent additions of Gleyber Torres and a rejuvenated Javier Báez (.308 average) have made this offense quietly formidable.
From 2019–2024 (excluding 2020), Devers has averaged nearly 32 homers a season, that kind of power in the middle of Detroit’s lineup could turn a solid contender into a legitimate threat. Detroit’s strength is in its rotation: Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Reese Olson, and Casey Mize form a deep group. But they’ll need more offensive firepower to go toe-to-toe with the AL’s best.
There’s a chance the Tigers ride this out and try to land a top free-agent hitter instead. Jace Jung, their 2022 first-round pick, could still emerge. But Devers would offer more certainty right now.
Seattle leads the AL West. Again. But we’ve seen this movie before. Strong pitching, streaky hitting, and not enough punch to get over the top. It might be time to shake things up.
Devers is exactly the kind of bat that could tip the balance. Julio Rodríguez remains the face of the franchise, but he’s still searching for consistency. His slash line over the past two seasons – .233/.327/.407 this year, after a .273/.325/.409 line last year – doesn’t scream MVP. Jorge Polanco has been red-hot with a 1.067 OPS, Dylan Moore is mashing, and Cal Raleigh is one of the most productive catchers in the league. But this team needs another anchor.
ALSO READ: MLB Trade Rumors: Mets Express Interest in Luis Robert Jr.
Devers would give them that, from the left side, with power and postseason experience. The Mariners’ rotation, Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, Bryan Woo, Bryce Miller, might be the best in the American League. But that’s been true for years. It’s the offense that’s held them back. If Seattle wants to change that storyline, this is the move.
Defensively, they could make it work. Moore and Polanco offer versatility, and Polanco has mostly served as the DH anyway. A deal for Devers would almost certainly require Seattle to part with top prospects like Colt Emerson, Cole Young, or Harry Ford. But if the Mariners aren’t going all in now, when will they?
The Yankees badly need a third baseman. Devers has tormented them for years. It would be the perfect… (for a Yankees fan).
ALSO READ: A Day of Many Firsts for Jasson Dominguez
Except… it’s not going to happen. The Red Sox aren’t going to hand their most dangerous bat to their biggest rival. And the Yankees, lacking a strong farm system, probably don’t have the prospect capital to pull it off anyway.
Devers is still elite at the plate. He’s still young. And he still wants to play third base. But if the Red Sox don’t want to let him, and they don’t want to keep paying him $300 million to DH, then it’s hard to imagine this marriage lasting much longer.
mlb
MLB 
