Tensions have simmered between the Boston Red Sox and star slugger.
Following the offseason signing of Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract, Red Sox leadership informed top star he’d need to relinquish his role at third base. Though initially frustrated by the decision, he ultimately settled into his new role as designated hitter after a bumpy start.
Now focusing solely on offense, the 28-year-old has delivered solid production at the plate, posting a .253/.374/.447 slash line with an .820 OPS and a 130 OPS+ on the season.
However, following a serious injury to first baseman Triston Casas, he stirred controversy by refusing to shift over to first—a move that didn’t sit well with some within the Red Sox organization and further fueled trade speculation.
At the heart of those rumors? The Chicago Cubs.
According to a recent piece by Zach Kaplan of Yahoo Sports, the Cubs could be a prime landing spot for the three-time All-Star. Kaplan pointed to Devers’ hefty contract and the timing of Boston’s contention window as reasons a trade might make sense.
“Between the 28-year-old’s massive paycheck and the Red Sox’s prime window for contention, many are calling for Devers to be traded,” Kaplan wrote. “A move which would likely cause a swift call-up of [Roman] Anthony and fellow top prospect Marcelo Mayer. One very interesting destination would be the NL-Central leading Chicago Cubs, who have a significant need at third base.”
Cubs need help at the Hot Corner
The move makes plenty of sense for the Cubs, who have been searching for stability at third base ever since trading away former MVP Kris Bryant in 2021. Despite rotating through names like Patrick Wisdom, Isaac Paredes, David Bote, and Christopher Morel, Chicago still hasn’t found a long-term solution at the hot corner. In what’s otherwise a well-rounded lineup, third base remains a glaring weak spot.
The organization hopes that top prospect Matt Shaw can eventually claim the job for good, but at the end of the day, he’s still just that—a prospect. Shaw may have promise, but he hasn’t yet proven he can produce at the elite level Rafael Devers has consistently delivered.
That’s not to say Cubs fans should give up on a 23-year-old with only a brief stint in the majors. But it’s also fair to recognize the value of certainty. With Devers, the Cubs would be acquiring a bona fide star—a proven bat to anchor the lineup and solve a persistent problem.
Another major selling point for Chicago in a potential Rafael Devers deal is his contract. While the price tag is steep—roughly $28 million annually through 2034—it provides nearly a decade of team control for a proven All-Star and World Series champion.
For a club like the Cubs, who are eyeing a serious contention window, locking in a cornerstone bat for the long haul could be well worth the investment.
Chicago has one of baseball’s most stacked farm systems, and it’s widely expected they’ll be active buyers at the trade deadline. With only one guaranteed year of Kyle Tucker remaining, there’s growing logic behind the idea that president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer could push all his chips in this season.