The Boston Red Sox are in a tough position with Rafael Devers. His refusal to play first base in the wake of Triston Casas’ season-ending injury?
According to MassLive’s Christopher Smith, Devers was approached by chief baseball officer Craig Breslo to play first base. He was “upset” by the request and felt the team was going back on their words after they moved him off this base to be the designated hitter. Devers’ comments about Breslow and urging him to “hit the market” were not well received by his teammates, according to the Boston Herald’s Gabrielle Starr.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal provided an update on Devers’ situation and a potential trade.
“The idea of a trade at some point isn’t all that far-fetched, even with Devers owed more than $250 million, including a portion deferred,” wrote Rosenthal. “For a hitter of his quality, the contract soon might look like something of a bargain, at least compared to Juan Soto’s $765 million and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s $500 million.
“Even if Bregman exercises his opt-out and departs as a free agent, the Sox can play top infield prospect Marcelo Mayer at third, leaving Devers without a position and possibly without a team. His contract does not include a no-trade clause, only a $2 million assignment bonus if the Sox send him to another club.”
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
There are plenty of teams that would be picking up the phones to get Devers. Even if he is not an elite defender, he is a difference maker at the plate. If he is fine sticking as a designated hitter, then he could become an even more attractive trade piece. He started the season 0-for-19 but is slashing .319/.429/.558 since that point. The biggest hurdle in trading him will be his contract.
More MLB: Yankees Cody Bellinger faces $26 million decision as concerns mount
