The Philadelphia Phillies made few adjustments to their offense after last fall’s disappointing playoff run, but there’s still time for a significant move.
With World Series hopes on the line and key players like J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, and Ranger Suárez possibly hitting free agency after the season, the team is feeling the pressure to deliver.
Given the urgency, the Phillies might consider taking advantage of recent tension within the Boston Red Sox organization.
Slugger Rafael Devers has voiced frustration with the Red Sox front office after being asked to switch positions multiple times. Initially shifted to designated hitter during spring training, Devers has now criticized chief baseball officer Craig Breslow after being approached about playing first base.
“I’m not certain what (problem) he has with me,” Devers said of Breslow, per Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. “He played ball, and I would like to think that he knows that changing positions like that isn’t easy.”
Devers signed a 10-year, $313.5 million deal with the Red Sox before Breslow joined the front office, and the two might simply never see eye to eye. As a result, it’s possible the Red Sox would consider moving Devers, particularly if they can bring in a first baseman in exchange.
That potential and the need for an offensive jolt in Philadelphia inspired Jake Storiale of “Talkin’ Baseball” to propose a trade between the Phillies and Red Sox.
“Can you imagine the star power?” Storiale said, after proposing the Phillies as a trade destination for Devers. “It was Bohm and maybe you throw in a couple of those Phillies pitching prospects or something like that. The Phillies have been looking for that next step to elevate them in the NL as they have their core in their early 30s.”
Storiale also suggested that Alec Bohm could be a strong candidate to replace Devers at first base in Boston, highlighting his value as a right-handed bat in the Red Sox lineup. On the flip side, he pointed out that the Phillies might view Devers as a long-term designated hitter, especially if Kyle Schwarber leaves in free agency.
While such a trade would be unexpected, there’s a plausible path to it happening—especially if Devers’ discontent with the Red Sox front office continues to escalate.
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