As the Philadelphia Phillies face an uphill battle to meet their lofty World Series aspirations, their offensive lineup remains largely unchanged from last season’s disappointing playoff exit. However, with key players like J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, and Ranger Suarez approaching free agency, it may be time for the Phillies to make a high-stakes move to solidify their future.
The pressure is mounting on the Phillies’ front office to make the right decisions, not only for the present but to secure the team’s long-term success. With the window to win a championship quickly narrowing, all eyes are now on a potential trade that could shake things up: bringing in the Boston Red Sox’s slugger, Rafael Devers.
Friction Between Devers and Red Sox Front Office
Rafael Devers, the star third baseman for the Boston Red Sox, has been at odds with his team’s management in recent months. The tension became apparent when the Red Sox asked Devers to change positions, first moving him to designated hitter in spring training, and then asking him to shift to first base. The request has left Devers frustrated, especially since he signed a massive 10-year, $313.5 million deal with the Red Sox long before the current leadership arrived.
In a recent interview with Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald, Devers didn’t hold back his displeasure with the Red Sox’s chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow. “I’m not certain what [problem] he has with me,” Devers said. “He played ball, and I would like to think that he knows that changing positions like that isn’t easy.”
The strained relationship between Devers and Breslow raises the possibility that the Red Sox may look to move their star slugger, especially if they can secure a valuable return. Devers’ frustration with the organization may just be the opening that the Phillies need to make a trade.
Could Rafael Devers Be the Offensive Spark the Phillies Need?
For the Phillies, the opportunity to acquire a player like Devers is too good to pass up. The team has been searching for a way to take that next step offensively, with their core players all in their early 30s. Adding Devers, who has consistently been one of the most powerful hitters in the game, could be just the spark the Phillies need to push them over the top in the National League.
But how would this trade work? The Phillies would likely need to part with third baseman Alec Bohm, who has shown flashes of promise but hasn’t yet reached the potential the Phillies hoped for. Bohm, along with a couple of promising pitching prospects, could be the key to getting the Red Sox’s attention.
One of the intriguing aspects of this trade proposal is the potential flexibility it offers the Phillies. While Devers has primarily been a third baseman, he could slot in as a long-term designated hitter for the Phillies, particularly if Schwarber leaves via free agency. This would allow the Phillies to get even more offensive firepower, with Devers providing a major boost in the middle of their lineup.
What Could the Trade Look Like?
It’s not just the idea of adding a star player to the Phillies’ roster that makes this trade intriguing—it’s the broader strategic fit. Devers’ right-handed bat would balance out the Phillies’ lineup and provide a legitimate middle-of-the-order hitter who can protect the likes of Bryce Harper and Trea Turner.
In terms of a potential package, the Red Sox could ask for the following:
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Alec Bohm (third baseman)
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One or two pitching prospects (such as Andrew Painter or Mick Abel)
This combination would offer Boston a right-handed bat with power and a solid defensive presence at third base, plus young arms with high upside to bolster their rotation or bullpen.
Potential Trade Breakdown:
| Player | Team | Position | Role/Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Devers | Red Sox | 3B/DH | Elite slugger, long-term offensive contributor |
| Alec Bohm | Phillies | 3B | Young right-handed bat, solid defense |
| Andrew Painter | Phillies | RHP | High-potential pitching prospect |
| Mick Abel | Phillies | RHP | Talented pitching prospect with upside |
What Happens Next?
The scenario is still speculative, but the growing tension between Devers and the Red Sox could make this a very real possibility in the coming months. If Devers continues to be unhappy with his role in Boston and the Red Sox front office, they may have little choice but to move him before his relationship with the team deteriorates further.
For the Phillies, the chance to land a player of Devers’ caliber is too significant to ignore. The trade market could heat up quickly, especially as other teams weigh in on the situation. As the 2025 MLB season approaches, expect this drama to unfold further—possibly culminating in a high-profile deal that could reshape both the Red Sox and Phillies’ futures.
