Red Sox Predicted As Trade Destination For Slugging First Baseman Amid Rafael Devers News
Red Sox Predicted As Trade Destination For Slugging First Baseman Amid Rafael Devers News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Rafael Devers-first-base controversy has put the Red Sox in a pickle as we approach the middle of June. Abraham Toro has been a surprisingly good find, but the possibility of regression always exists.
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Especially with insiders predicting a Alex Bregman return by early July, according to an insider, the Sox need a fixture at first base.
They have been linked this whole season to infielders to fix their corner problem, but one trade possibility was floated that makes a great deal of sense.
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Josh Naylor (22)© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Athletic's Eno Sarris listed the Red Sox as a landing spot for Diamondbacks slugger Josh Naylor if Arizona decides to sell.
The Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants were listed as teams who could look to acquire Naylor, or Orioles first baseman Ryan O'Hearn if those trades become reality.
Naylor is an intriguing possibility, because not only does he have a long-standing feud with the Yankees, but he is in the midst of one of his best seasons yet.
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Naylor is slashing .308/.357/.468/.826. Naylor's .308 batting average and .468 slugging percentage is fifth and seventh among first basemen, respectrively.
Naylor is also coming off a monstrous series against the Mariners where he went 8-for-12 with one home run, six RBIs and three extra base hits. Naylor's lone home run in the series was a walk-off grand slam in the 11th inning of Monday's game.
The Sox would benefit by getting a threat in the middle of their order that would solidify Devers as their everyday designated hitter and Bregman as their everyday third baseman upon his return.
What to do with Toro would be the next question, but Naylor to Boston feels like the right fit.
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Related: Red Sox Announce Trade With Twins After Marcelo Mayer News
Related: Red Sox Make Surprising Marcelo Mayer Announcement Before Yankees Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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