Could the Boston Red Sox trade star third baseman/designated hitter Rafael Devers?
A year ago, that would have seemed ludicrous, but with the acquisition of Alex Bregman to play the hot corner and Devers reportedly considering requesting a trade, let’s take a look at a potential package.
Every team could benefit from Devers’ offensive services, which include career 162-game averages of 33 home runs, 105 RBIs, a .279 batting average, and a .856 OPS. Devers is also locked up through 2033 on a contract that will see him earn $27-$28.5 million for the next nine years.
One team that could make a run at Devers is the Detroit Tigers. After their captivating run to the American League Divisional Series in 2024, the Tigers should look to capitalize on their momentum and excellent group of arms, led by reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.
Mock Trade:
Red Sox send Devers to the Tigers for first baseman Spencer Torkelson, outfielder Max Clark (Detroit’s No. 2 prospect), and left-handed reliever Tyler Holton.
Let’s start with Torkelson. The first overall pick in 2020 has never quite developed in Detroit. He’s a career .221 batter with a .693 OPS, and while he does have power (31 home runs in 2023), it would make sense for both parties to start fresh. On the Red Sox, Torkelson could help Triston Casas at first base and split time with Masataka Yoshida at DH.
Then there’s Clark. The third overall selection in the 2023 draft is still only 19 years old and one of the most highly regarded players in any farm system. He will likely not make his MLB debut until 2027, but the outfielder would add to an already loaded Boston youth movement.
Finally, Holton is a lesser-known but extremely effective arm out of the bullpen who would immediately bolster the Red Sox’s high-leverage crew. In two years in Detroit, Holton has accumulated a 2.15 ERA and 0.824 WHIP over 179 and 2/3 innings. He has some of the best stuff in the league, and while he is not going to give distance, he has a ridiculous five-pitch arsenal.
Would either team do this trade? Maybe, maybe not. For Boston, it’s a chance to evaporate off-field drama and bring in present contributions as well as future hope. For the Tigers, they would be adding one of the elite batters in the league as they pursue another postseason bid.
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