Cubs-Red Sox trade idea sends Rafael Devers to Chicago after recent drama
Context:
The Chicago Cubs, leading the National League Central, are considering acquiring Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox ahead of the trade deadline. Devers is reportedly upset with the Red Sox for asking him to switch positions again, after previously being moved to designated hitter following the signing of Alex Bregman. Devers expressed frustration at the team's lack of consistency in their promises and suggested the team find a new first baseman due to Triston Casas' injury. MLB insider Mike Rodriguez suggests that Devers should request a trade, seeing the Cubs as a suitable destination. Devers, a three-time All-Star with impressive career statistics, could be a significant asset for the Cubs, potentially enhancing their postseason prospects.
Dive Deeper:
Rafael Devers is unhappy with the Boston Red Sox management for asking him to change positions again, having been initially moved to designated hitter after Alex Bregman's signing. This unexpected request comes after the team had assured him of his role, leading to Devers publicly criticizing the team’s inconsistency.
In the wake of Triston Casas' season-ending injury, Devers suggested that the team should explore the market to find a new first baseman instead of moving him, highlighting his discontent with the current management decisions.
Mike Rodriguez, an MLB insider, believes that the repeated position changes are unfair to Devers and has suggested that he should consider a trade, with the Chicago Cubs being a favorable option due to their current need for a strong third baseman.
The Chicago Cubs began the season with Matt Shaw at third base, but due to Shaw's early struggles, he was demoted, leaving Jon Berti to fill the position. Acquiring Devers would be a significant upgrade for the Cubs at third base.
Devers, known for his strong offensive record with a .855 career OPS and 206 home runs, has shown signs of improvement after a slow start this season. His addition to the Cubs could solidify their control over the NL Central and boost their chances of a successful postseason.
Despite his current batting average of .247, Devers leads the American League in walks and has shown a marked improvement in his performance since the season's opening struggles, suggesting a return to form if he resumes his natural position at third base.
A trade involving Devers to the Cubs could be mutually beneficial, resolving his dissatisfaction with the Red Sox while providing the Cubs with a seasoned and reliable player to strengthen their lineup during crucial games.
The Chicago Cubs are leading the National League Central, but could be looking for upgrades near the trade deadline. Could they make a push to acquire Rafael Devers from the Red Sox?
Devers recently made some comments calling out Craig Breslow after he asked Devers to play first base. The team made Devers switch to being the everyday designated hitter after signing Alex Bregman. He feels they are not staying true to their word by asking him to switch positions again. According to MassLive's Christopher Smith, Devers is upset that the team is asking him top switch positions again.
"Yeah," Devers replied to a question on if he was upset about being asked to play first base. "I don’t think they stay true to their word. They told me I was going to be playing this position, DH. And now they are going back on that. So yeah, I don’t think they stay true to their word."
Devers even went on to tell Breslow to "hit the market" to find a first baseman in the wake of Triston Casas' season-ending injury. MLB insider Mike Rodriguez believes that Breslow is mistreating Devers by asking him to change positions once again. He suggested that Devers should request a trade and that the Cubs would be a good landing spot.
The Cubs started the year with top prospect Matt Shaw playing third base. However, after early struggles, he was sent down. Jon Berti has seen time at third base, but Devers would be an upgrade.
Devers is a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger. His numbers this season show he is still adjusting to being a designated hitter, so a move back to third base could get him back on track offensively. He has a .855 career OPS and 206 career home runs. While his average is just .247 this season, he does have six home runs and leads the American League in walks. He started the season off 0-for-19, but he has a .294 batting average since then.
He could be a piece that secures the NL Central for the Cubs and helps them make a deep run in October.
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