Red Sox Blockbuster Trade Idea Cuts Ties With Rafael Devers for MLB's No. 5 Prospect

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
The Boston Red Sox are nine games back of the New York Yankees for the American League East lead and four games out of the final Wild Card spot. While they are not sellers yet, they could be by the time the July 31 deadline rolls around.
The Red Sox season has been highlighted by injuries and drama. One of the biggest storylines has been Rafael Devers' position. He was moved off of third base when the team signed Alex Bregman. When Triston Casas went down, he was reportedly asked by Craig Breslow to play first base, which upset him and led to a rant in the media.
Now, with Alex Bregman hurt, the team does not seem interested in letting him play third base, making for a messy situation.
Compound that with the fact that the team is not playing well, and the team could be ready to move on from Devers and embrace a youth movement. The Red Sox are already relying on contributions from young players like Ceddanne Rafaela, Marcelo Mayer, Wilyer Abreu and Kristian Campbell. FanSided's Christopher Kline suggested the Red Sox trade Devers to the Philadelphia Phillies to add another young star, Andrew Painter, MLB Pipeline's No. 5 prospect, to their young core.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 08: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox looks on after hitting a one-run home run in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park on May 08,...
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 08: Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox looks on after hitting a one-run home run in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park on May 08, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. More"While Devers' production is smoothing over negative feelings in the fanbase, there is palpable tension with the front office," wrote Kline. "Boston is under no pressure to rush the 28-year-old out the door, as he's under contract through 2033, but now might be a good time to cut bait on a negative defender with a hefty salary number through his age-36 season. The Phillies stomach major long-term commitments better than most franchises, and there's an open slot at third base if Philadelphia decides to reroute Alec Bohm, which could return Devers to his position of choice."
Trading Devers would come as a huge shock, and the Red Sox would have to practically be eliminated from the postseason to even consider it. However, trading Devers for a package centered around Painter could set up the Red Sox for years of success.
The Red Sox already have an ace in Garrett Crochet. Adding Painter would help them solve their woes around their ace. Additionally, opening up the DH spot would finally give the team a way to get Roman Anthoy, the top prospect in baseball, into the big leagues.
Essentially, the Phillies would be parting ways with Devers to then go into next season with Crochet, Campbell, Mayer, Anthony, Abreu, Jarren Duran and Painter as the pillars of their team.
Meanwhile, the Phillies would be capitalizing on their opportunity to win now, before they potentially lose Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto in free agency. Painter is not going to help them win this season, most likely, but Devers would. It would also allow them to flip Alec Bohm for some outfield help.
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