Red Sox trade deadline predictions: Rumored destinations for 5 Boston players
By Tim Boyle
Red Sox rumors: Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers will stay put
Xander Bogaerts has an opportunity to opt-out of his contract after this season and Rafael Devers has yet to receive an extension. Could the Red Sox do the unthinkable and trade one or both of them?
This would go against their plan of trying to compete in the near future. Even if Bogaerts does opt-out of his deal, the Red Sox might feel inclined to keep him around right now and see if they can avoid letting him experience what it’s like to play somewhere else. They’d definitely be wise to want to keep him. We’ll have to see this winter if the relationship can continue.
One would have to think trading Devers is even far less likely despite the two sides being far apart in extension negotiations. It’s a little too sudden for the Red Sox to decide to move Devers now anyway. The need for a third baseman around the league does exist but isn’t quite as vast as it would be for an outfielder which is why some fans still aren’t so sure if Juan Soto will get traded.
The best place for Bogaerts and Devers is to stay in Boston. It’s the likeliest scenario with both being core players the club will want around next year to be competitive again.