The Boston Red Sox made a shocking move when they traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. However, it could simply be the first of many moves.
The Red Sox are just 1/2 a game back of an American League Wild Card spot after sweeping the New York Yankees. However, without Devers, they could soon be back out of the postseason picture. If that happens, the Red Sox would have many key players who would be trade targets for contenders.
Newsweek’s Andrew Wright tabbed Aroldis Chapman as a piece the Red Sox could trade and suggested the Los Angeles Dodgers could acquire him. The Dodgers need a way to prevent Devers from doing too much damage against them now that he plays for a division rival.
“What’s the best way to neutralize a left-handed power bat?” asked Wright. “Have him face one of the game’s premier left-handed relief pitchers in high-leverage situations. That is what the scenario would be if the Dodgers added Chapman to a bullpen that already includes left-hander Tanner Scott. Los Angeles would be able to send out Chapman and Scott in back-to-back nights to try and lock down saves against the heart of the San Francisco order that will eventually include Devers.”
Scott has struggled as of late, and Chapman has been great for the Red Sox in what is his 16th season. He has 12 saves this year and a 1.55 ERA. He has 347 career saves and is a seven-time All-Star. Chapman will be a free agent after the season, and if the Red Sox are out of contention, they may be willing to flip him for a young prospect.
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Chapman has been traded twice in his career. Both times, he has ended up helping his new team win a World Series. Could the Red Sox send him to the Dodgers to complete the hat trick? Trading Devers put a load of pressure on the Red Sox now. If they struggle in the next few weeks, they may be forced to sell and focus on building around their young core for next season.
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