If the Red Sox shock baseball by trading Rafael Devers, the Detroit Tigers could be a potential dark horse destination.
Would the Red Sox consider trading Rafael Devers?
Last season, the Tigers took a noticeable step back, and as a result, they hired Scott Harris as their new president of baseball operations. But Detroit still has a roster loaded with young talent.
Expect Detroit’s rebuild to be short-lived, but they do require some assistance in opening the playoff window. Among those in the majors are Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson. Now is the time to start winning games.
The Tigers require another star, and one who can be relied on, and they have the young talent to send a monster trade package to Boston. But would the Red Sox entertain such a move?
Boston is unlikely to trade Devers, especially at this time. Chaim Bloom would be devastated if he lost another homegrown star just weeks after Xander Bogaerts signed with the San Diego Padres.
Still, Devers is expected to earn a contract worth more than $300 million, and it’s unclear whether Red Sox management will want to pick up the tab.
If they don’t intend to sign Devers before the next offseason, a trade makes sense. Shouldn’t they get something for a star like Devers while they still can?
Devers will be a free agent at the end of the season, which may reduce the price tag for his services from the ‘Juan Soto trade package’ to something more manageable. Still, he’s not cheap.
That is a strong trade package from the Tigers, who would give up their ace pitcher as well as their No. 4 prospect, Ty Madden, who could be MLB-ready as soon as next year. Another top-10 prospect who can play third base if necessary is Henry-Malloy, while Luis Garcia is a near-MLB ready shortstop who is also among Detroit’s top-30 prospects.
Trading Rafael Devers is not a viable option for Boston. They should definitely sign him to an expensive contract extension. However, if they do not, this may be the best offer they can get.
