When the Boston Red Sox signed Alex Bregman, there was a lot of controversy stemming from whether Rafael Devers would move into the DH role and allow Bregman, the better defensive third baseman, to play the position.
Devers refused to do so at first, but over time, he went along with the plan and eventually ended up being the everyday DH in the Red Sox lineup.
Now, with an injury to first baseman Triston Casas, Boston has asked Devers to move to first base and — much like the conversations to move from third to DH went the first time around — it’s gotten ugly.
It could lead to Devers departure from Boston. Devers on Thursday made some rather concerning comments when asked about his decision not play first base and it put a really bad spotlight on himself and the organization. The tension between Devers and the Red Sox front office feels like it’s been brewing during the entire season, and it may be close to reaching a boiling point.
If it does indeed reach that point, the three-time All Star could be shipped out of Boston via trade. If that happens, the Chicago Cubs would be a perfect landing spot. Third base has been a revolving door for the Cubs so far this year and the addition of Devers would slam that door shut.
A trade package to acquire Devers would be quite hefty, but it could look something like this.
Cubs receive: 3B/DH Rafael Devers Red Sox receive: 3B Matt Shaw (CHC No. 4 prospect), OF Kevin Alcántara (CHC No. 6 prospect), RHP Jack Neely (CHC No. 16 prospect) and INF Jon Berti The Red Sox get rid of someone who may be starting to become a bad culture guy in the locker room and the Cubs get the answer they’ve been looking for at third base. Boston gets a plethora of young and controllable prospects in return, as well as utilityman Jon Berti.
There really is no way of knowing how likely a Devers trade is, but if the Red Sox do decide to make him available on the market, the Cubs should make Boston an offer it can’t refuse, and Devers should be playing at Wrigley Field for the remainder of his contract.