Rafael Devers, the star third baseman for the Boston Red Sox, has found himself in an unfamiliar and frustrating situation at the start of the 2024 season.
After the departure of Alex Bregman, the reigning American League Gold Glove winner at third base, from the Houston Astros to the Red Sox via free agency, Devers was told by manager Alex Cora that he would take over as the club’s designated hitter.
This marked a dramatic shift for the three-time All-Star, who had been Boston’s primary third baseman for the previous eight seasons and was widely regarded as one of the best in the game at the position.
Despite his willingness to adapt, Devers has struggled to find his rhythm in his new role. In Boston’s 8-5 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, Devers went 0-for-3 with an RBI and a walk. His season batting average now stands at just .202, and he has managed only two home runs in 94 at-bats. These numbers have been a far cry from the Devers fans are accustomed to seeing. On a more positive note, however, Devers has displayed an excellent eye at the plate, leading the American League with 21 walks.
Despite his struggles, Devers’ ability to work counts and get on base suggests that a breakout may be on the horizon. After all, he has a career batting average of .278 and averages 33 home runs per 162 games, a testament to his offensive prowess.
But as the season progresses, Devers may start to become increasingly frustrated with his current situation in Boston. The fact that the Red Sox handed the everyday third baseman duties to Bregman, despite Devers’ long history as a stalwart at the position, has left the slugger in a limbo that he has not fully embraced.
Devers signed a 10-year, $313.5 million extension with the Red Sox just last year, but the adjustment to the designated hitter role has not been smooth.
The shift in Devers’ role could be a key moment for other teams looking to acquire the talented slugger, and one team that has been frequently mentioned as a potential suitor is the Chicago Cubs.
Andrew Wright of Newsweek has pointed out that the Cubs could target Devers in a trade, especially if the left-handed hitter becomes available in trade talks or makes a trade request.
or the Cubs, a move for Devers could dramatically improve their already potent lineup, particularly by adding a left-handed power hitter with one of the best bats in the league.
Devers would fit seamlessly into the Cubs’ batting order alongside outfielder Kyle Tucker, creating a dynamic one-two punch at the top of the lineup. The idea of having Devers and Tucker batting second and third would present a formidable challenge for opposing pitchers, as both are power threats with excellent plate discipline.
The Cubs have also been dealing with a third-base dilemma. After demoting their top prospect Matt Shaw to Triple-A Iowa, the Cubs have struggled to find a permanent solution at third base. They have been rotating through a handful of options, including 40-year-old Justin Turner, Jon Berti, Gage Workman, and Vidal Brujan, none of whom have been able to lock down the starting spot.
Acquiring Devers would provide the Cubs with a true everyday third baseman and could help solidify their infield for the foreseeable future.
However, any potential trade would come at a significant cost for the Cubs. The Red Sox would likely demand a package that includes several of the Cubs’ top prospects, and it is highly likely that Shaw could be part of any deal. The Cubs are still high on Shaw’s potential, and the prospect of a trade involving him is a reminder of just how coveted Devers is as a player.
Though Shaw is the future third baseman for the Cubs, his demotion and the uncertainty around the position in the present moment have left a gap that Devers could fill, at least temporarily.
A trade for Devers would be a major boost to an already impressive Cubs lineup, which has shown signs of being a playoff contender in 2024. The Cubs have a strong mix of veteran hitters and young talent, and adding Devers would instantly provide them with one of the most dangerous middle-of-the-order bats in the game. However, the move would come with risks, as Devers would only be a temporary solution at third base for Chicago, given Shaw’s status as the Cubs’ long-term solution at the position. Nonetheless, the Cubs would likely be willing to make this trade, as adding a player of Devers’ caliber could push them to the next level in their pursuit of a championship.
In the end, it remains to be seen whether Devers will request a trade or whether the Red Sox will be willing to move their franchise player. However, if Devers does become available, the Cubs may very well be one of the first teams to inquire. His powerful bat, combined with his ability to hit for average and get on base, could provide the Cubs with a much-needed offensive boost as they aim for success in the competitive National League.