Will one of these teams make the Rafael Devers rumors come true with a massive trade offer to the Boston Red Sox?
The relationship between the Boston Red Sox and Rafael Devers may end sooner than most fans want. It has happened already with two other homegrown players. Mookie Betts was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Even more recently, Xander Bogaerts departed for the San Diego Padres. Rumors about a potential Rafael Devers trade can be expected the longer he remains unsigned after the 2023 season.
The one year of control definitely puts a minor strain on what the Red Sox can get back. It’s going to take a massive contract close to if not over $300 million to get him to immediately sign.
Fortunately, these three clubs seem eager enough to take the risk. They’ve at least shown an interest in spending if they haven’t already. Will any of these three make the Rafael Devers rumors come true and offer a massive trade package to the Red Sox?
3. Rafael Devers rumors: A trade package from the Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies would be an ideal destination for the Rafael Devers rumors to end up. They have a clear need at third base and in a division with the New York Mets spending wildly, they should expect to do something similar to remain competitive. What can they offer the Red Sox in exchange for Devers?
The trade sends their current third baseman Alec Bohm plus prospects Mick Abel (2), Erik Miller (7), and Simon Muzziotti (12). Bohm doesn’t serve much of a purpose on the Phillies roster when adding Devers. Not destined for third base anyway, the Red Sox can use him as a first baseman or DH if he does continue to hit.
The real haul here for Boston is adding Abel. Considering the number 54 prospect in baseball right now, he’s someone the Phillies are incredibly high on for the future of their rotation. Andrew Painter is the only prospect better than him in the system right now so they’re definitely sacrificing something.
Miller, a pitcher, and Muzziotti, and outfielder, could find their way onto the Red Sox roster as depth pieces. It’s only Abel who probably wouldn’t sniff big-league action quite yet in the coming year.
Would this be enough for the Red Sox? Let’s check what other teams can offer.
2. Rafael Devers rumors: A trade package from the Giants
No team is looking at becoming this offseason’s biggest loser more than the San Francisco Giants. They didn’t get Aaron Judge despite a few minutes of rumors saying they did. After retaliating with Carlos Correa, the deal didn’t go through due to a medical issue. All that’s left is for them to bring the Rafael Devers rumors to San Francisco. What can they offer the Red Sox?
The Red Sox pick up major league J.D. Davis plus three prospects. Kyle Harrison (2), Patrick Bailey (12), and Randy Rodriguez (16) are the ones offered up in this package.
Davis is similar to Bohm. He can play third base but is probably better used at first base or as a DH. He does have left-field experience. The Red Sox are really just adding him for his bat and because San Francisco no longer needs him.
Harrison is the sweetest part of this trade. The lefty hurler is the 21st-ranked prospect in Major League Baseball. It’s a big sacrifice for the Giants, but if they’re not going to be able to add in free agency, it’s something to consider.
Bailey is a catcher and Rodriguez is a reliever. Their addition to the trade is to give the Red Sox a little more. They can’t lose another trade after what has happened with the guys they got for Betts. Bailey and Rodriguez can help secure some redemption if Harrison doesn’t become a stud.
1. Rafael Devers rumors: A trade package from the Mariners
Finally, we arrive at the Seattle Mariners. Jerry Dipoto should be itching to swing a big trade for Rafael Devers. What can he offer from his organization?
Again, the Red Sox do acquire a third baseman in this trade. It’s Eugenio Suarez. He is signed for another year so Boston will at least have an answer at the position through 2024. It’s also a guy with some tremendous power.
The deal will also include Jarred Kelenic, a fallen prospect who has struggled mightily at the big leagues. The Mariners would be wise to trade him for a shot at Devers and a chance to immediately extend him. Extending Devers is key. Kelenic may still find his major league swing.
One big bite out of the Mariners’ system is the loss of their top prospect, catcher Harry Ford. Ranked 65th in MLB right now, Seattle can spare him thanks to the way Cal Raleigh’s career is going. For Devers, it’s worth it.
Prelander Berroa also gets thrown into the trade. The 15th-ranked Mariners prospect, he’s someone the Red Sox can possibly use out of the bullpen in 2023.
The 2023 season should be one where the Mariners push all of their chips into the middle of the table. This trade doesn’t subtract enough from their future. Devers will make them exponentially better. Suddenly, the Houston Astros don’t look so tough.