Could drama in Boston be to the Phillies benefit?
In case you haven’t heard, there’s a situation unfolding in Boston Red Sox Spring camp. The team finally remembered who they were and decided to open the checkbook a little, culminating with the recent signing of third baseman Alex Bregman.
Unfortunately, their current third baseman is a little unhappy with that move. Rafael Devers has publicly stated that he will not move off of third base or DH in favor of Bregman, despite Bregman grading out as a much better fielder and being fresh off of a Gold Glove award. Devers, who is entering the second year of a ten year, $313.5M deal, insists that he was told that he would be the third baseman when he signed the deal.
The problem is that the front office that gave him that extension is no longer employed, and the new Boston brain trust led by Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and manager Alex Cora feels they aren’t bound by that supposed agreement.
When asked if his position ultimately amounts to a trade request, Devers said through an interpreter that “That’s a tough answer to give. I haven’t given it much thought,” before stating that he’s open to listening to what the Red Sox have to say.
Rafael Devers made it very clear he wants to be the third baseman. Wow.
Asked about the idea of moving to DH… he said no. pic.twitter.com/JmfEIlD10O
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) February 17, 2025
The most likely and probable outcome from this drama is that Bregman moves to second and Devers continues to play third, even if Bregman is the far superior fielder. But, in the small chance this situation reaches a boiling point or if the relationship between player and team fractures, Devers may actually wind up on the trading block.
Despite his defensive shortcomings, Devers is one of the best hitters in the game, as his .874 OPS since 2021 is the 11th best among all qualified hitters who appeared in at least 500 games over that span. He also just turned 28-years-old and is under contract through 2033 on the aforementioned contract for roughly $30-32M a season.
Our question of the day is simple: if Devers were to become available, should the Phillies pursue him in a trade? If so, what package would you offer Boston in return?