The Boston Red Sox have recently found themselves navigating a $313 million dilemma centered around Rafael Devers. When asked to shift to first base following Triston Casas’ injury, Devers declined—pointing fingers at the front office for previously making him a designated hitter. His refusal has sparked speculation that the Red Sox might consider trading him this season, despite his stellar performance at the plate.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller highlighted the Washington Nationals as a prime landing spot should Boston explore trade options. “James Wood, MacKenzie Gore, and CJ Abrams are all excelling,” Miller wrote. “Ideally, Dylan Crews will start producing at a similar level soon. Josiah Gray is also expected back from Tommy John surgery, which could bolster an already promising rotation. Most importantly, none of these key players are commanding major salaries.”
Miller added that, although the Nationals spent over $200 million during their 2019 World Series run, they currently hold the league’s lowest projected payroll for 2026. That gives them the financial room to absorb a massive contract like Devers’, even with lingering commitments to Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer.
With a strong young core and enough payroll flexibility and prospect depth, Washington has the pieces to make a deal work—if Boston makes Devers available. Still, trading him would be a mistake. Devers remains a franchise cornerstone, and the Red Sox are in win-now mode. Unless he pushes for a move himself, Boston should hold on to their star slugger.
Leave a Reply