While it may not make much sense on the surface, the idea of a Rafael Devers trade for the Angels gets more and more fascinating by the day. As the trade deadline approaches, it seems increasingly probable that the Red Sox will have to deal their veteran third baseman, especially in light of the latest development between Devers and Boston’s front office over his decision to swap positions once more.
Since Devers has a long history with the Red Sox and has been a vital member of the team that won the 2018 World Series and has received MVP votes during his career, it appears like everyone believes that everything will sort itself out. Craig Breslow, the current president of baseball operations for the Red Sox, was not involved in Devers’ extension, though, since he was brought to Boston around nine months later. Additionally, this is the same company and owner that had no problem dealing Mookie Betts to strengthen their farm system. In order to bring in the next generation of prospects, Devers may be the next Red Sox star to be traded.
Angels should be the first to team to call about Red Sox’s Rafael Devers
Although there are some clear obstacles in the way, the idea behind trading for Devers is that the Angels simply need good bats in their organization. At 28, Devers still has a few prime years left, so he will be a huge asset whether the Halos are trying to be good now or in the future—something they can’t seem to decide on themselves.
There is no obvious future at third base given Anthony Rendon’s miserable stay with the Angels. Due to his poor play this season, Luis Rengifo is a free agency at the conclusion of the season and is a prime contender to be traded this summer, even if he improves and returns to his 2024 self. With Alex Bregman and his Gold Glove qualities manning the hot corner in Boston, the Red Sox are unable to provide Devers with the obvious motivation he has demonstrated to be at third base. Devers can be offered full-time third base by the Angels.
The Angels’ failure to attract elite free agents is another important factor supporting their trade for Devers. We don’t need to repeat the Rendon signing, but no other superstar has chosen to sign in Anaheim since Shohei Ohtani joined the Angels in 2017. The Halos have become generational also-rans because to the Dodgers’ proximity up the I-5 and the team’s overall misconduct. Given the uncertainty surrounding his own future in Anaheim, Perry Minasian should be thinking about making a trade for Devers in order to get one of the finest batters in the MLB through 2033.
Given the Angels’ past, Devers’ deal could initially appear concerning. However, he will continue to get around $28 million year for the remainder of his deal, with deferrals continuing for the next ten years. He now holds the 25th-highest salary in baseball, and his deal will only increase in value due to the recent surge in superstar contract inflation. The Angels would probably be committing to at least $35 million a year if they signed a player with Devers’ caliber through free agency.
In terms of the type of package the Angels would need to send, one could assume Christian Moore and/or Caden Dana would be the headliner in that deal. Given the Red Sox championship hopes, players like Rengifo, Tyler Anderson, and Taylor Ward could be apart of any deal as well. much if they are, the prospect deal would make an already barren Angels’ farm system much emptier.
Rarely does a player of Devers’ skill and background become available through trade. The Red Sox have maintained that he is a vital member of their squad. However, it appears that they are getting closer to pressuring Devers to make a trade out of Boston. And Minasian and the Angels must act quickly to get Rafael Devers to the Big A if (when?) that time arrives.
