Albert Pujols inspired Rafael Devers: Could a trade to St. Louis be next?

Rafael Devers’ connection to Albert Pujols has some Cardinals fans wondering — is this a match made in heaven in St. Louis?

Albert Pujols is no longer a member of the Cards, of course. He retired at the end of the season after a memorable chase to 700 home runs.

As it turns out, embattled Red Sox star Rafael Devers was watching that home run chase, and it inspired him:

“That’s where everybody wants to be. Everybody wants to keep growing throughout the years. That’s something that is in my mind. I don’t only think about today but also think about the future and how I can prepare for the future to be a better player and a better person,” Devers said, per the Boston Globe.

Will the Red Sox trade Rafael Devers?

Boston is unlikely to trade Devers at all, especially right now. Losing another homegrown star just weeks after Xander Bogaerts signed with the San Diego Padres would be catastrophic for Chaim Bloom. Still, Devers is expected to earn a contract over $300 million, and there’s some question as to whether Red Sox management will want to pick up that tab.

If they don’t plan on signing Devers before next offseason, then a trade makes sense. Might as well get something for a star the caliber of Devers while they still can, no?

Are the Cardinals a potential suitor for Rafael Devers?

Even were the Red Sox to trade Rafael Devers, St. Louis is an unlikely suitor, as Nolan Arenado is their everyday third baseman. Devers would have to switch positions or be a full-time designated hitter, which surely provides a hit to his overall value. Devers plays a premium position and will therefore get paid as much. At DH, his value could be cut some.

Sorry, Cardinals fans — you shouldn’t read too much into Devers praising Pujols. He’s an all-time great. There’s nothing more to it.