The Los Angeles Dodgers always find themselves at the center of ever MLB trade rumors. And Rafael Devers finds himself at the center of positional uncertainty once again in Boston. The Red Sox’s decision to sign Alex Bregman, a former Gold Glove winner, this offseason pushed Devers off his natural spot at third base—despite Devers being one of the league’s most potent offensive weapons. Though the Dominican slugger eventually settled into the designated hitter role, discontent has lingered.
That tension only escalated when Triston Casas went down with a season-ending ruptured patellar tendon, prompting the Red Sox to approach Devers about another shift—this time to first base. Devers wasn’t thrilled.
“They can’t expect me to play every position out there,” he told reporters, expressing visible frustration over being asked to move again.
The comments prompted a conversation with Boston’s front office, signaling early-season friction between the franchise and one of its cornerstone players.
Trade Talk Growing Louder
While a trade request from Devers seems unlikely—at least in-season—the situation is ripe for speculation. Especially as Devers got off to a slow start at the plate and the Red Sox weigh long-term roster flexibility. If Boston ultimately decides to move on, one team makes considerable sense: the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Los Angeles Dodgers Trade Proposal for Rafael Devers
Dodgers receive:
- Rafael Devers
Red Sox receive:
- Josue De Paula (Dodgers No. 2, MLB No. 35)
- Alex Freeland (Dodgers No. 4, MLB No. 66)
- River Ryan (Dodgers No. 9)
- Hyun-Seok Jang (Dodgers No. 15)
The Dodgers, fresh off a World Series title and the most expensive offseason in MLB history—highlighted by the additions of Shohei Ohtani, Tanner Scott, and Blake Snell—have once again built a juggernaut. Their 26-10 record is best in the league. Despite that, third base has been a soft spot: Max Muncy, while a two-time All-Star and champion, is now 34 and batting just .197 this season.
Would Devers Fill a Need in L.A.?
Devers, 28, could be the perfect solution. A return to third base would likely appeal to him, and few teams are better positioned to absorb the 10-year, $313 million contract he signed through 2033. The Dodgers have both the financial muscle and a top-five farm system, with five top-100 prospects, according to MLB.com. They could easily package young talent without compromising their future.
The move would give the Dodgers one of the most dangerous lineups in league history. However, there’s one caveat: defense. Devers has never been a standout at third, and as he ages, his range and reaction time will only decline. Los Angeles already has its long-term designated hitter locked in—Shohei Ohtani, who isn’t expected to pitch again until 2025. The Dodgers would have to tolerate Devers’ defense for the sake of his bat.
Would Boston Repeat Its Mookie Betts Mistake?
For the Red Sox, trading another homegrown superstar to the Dodgers would draw immediate comparisons to the 2020 Mookie Betts trade. In that deal, Boston sent Betts and David Price to L.A. for Alex Verdugo, Connor Wong, and Jeter Downs—a return that, in hindsight, has aged poorly.
While Wong has emerged as a serviceable starting catcher, Betts has blossomed into a perennial MVP candidate. Verdugo and Downs are no longer with the team.
Devers already has 206 career home runs and is a three-time All-Star, putting up strong offensive numbers once again after a sluggish start this season.
A trade to the Dodgers might feel like déjà vu—but the return in this hypothetical deal could be more favorable for Boston than it was for Betts. De Paula and Freeland are top-100 prospects, and River Ryan and Hyun-Seok Jang round out a deep haul. The Red Sox already have a promising young core, including Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, and Kristian Campbell. Adding more elite prospects would set them up for a sustainable future.
And perhaps, just as importantly, it would end the positional tug-of-war and off-field drama that has come to define the Devers era of late.
Still, for Boston fans, the idea of sending another superstar to L.A. might feel like doing business with the devil—again.