MLB Rumors: Could Red Sox Star Rafael Devers Be Headed to the Yankees After Oswaldo Cabrera Injury?

In a season already filled with unexpected twists, one of the most sensational rumors now swirling around Major League Baseball is the possibility of Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers being traded to the New York Yankees. Such a blockbuster deal would send shockwaves throughout the AL East and the entire baseball world, especially in the aftermath of recent bad news regarding Yankees infielder Oswaldo Cabrera. With Cabrera facing an uncertain timeline due to injury, the Yankees’ front office may be forced to explore bold moves to shore up their infield and add a potent left-handed bat to their lineup. As wild as it sounds, the prospect of Devers donning pinstripes is suddenly being discussed in both fan circles and media columns.

Let’s break down the situation and what it could mean for both franchises.

Rafael Devers: The Player and the Contract

Rafael Devers, one of the premier left-handed hitters in the game, is in the second year of a massive 10-year, $313.5 million contract with the Red Sox, set to keep him in Boston through 2033. At just 28 years old, Devers is still in his prime and remains an offensive force. Despite a slow start to the season, he has rebounded impressively, posting a slash line of .280/.398/.490 and an OPS of .888, which ranks among the top 25 in Major League Baseball. His plate discipline has also improved, with 31 walks—second only to Marcell Ozuna in the league—demonstrating his ability to get on base and provide consistent production.

Statcast metrics further underscore Devers’ value at the plate. He ranks in the top percentiles for expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA), average exit velocity, and hard-hit percentage, making him a nightmare for opposing pitchers. However, his defensive limitations have become more pronounced. After years of playing third base, Devers has struggled defensively, prompting the Red Sox to consider moving him to first base following Tristan Casas’s season-ending injury. Devers, however, has reportedly resisted such a move, creating tension within the organization and sparking speculation about his future in Boston.

The Trade Rumor Mill Heats Up

The idea of the Red Sox trading Devers, especially to their archrival Yankees, seems far-fetched on the surface. Trades of this magnitude between these two storied franchises are exceedingly rare. Yet, with Devers’ reluctance to switch positions and the Red Sox potentially looking to retool, some analysts believe a trade cannot be ruled out entirely.

The Yankees, for their part, have a pressing need. The loss of Oswaldo Cabrera, who had been filling in admirably at multiple infield spots, leaves a void that the team’s current roster may struggle to fill. Adding Devers would not only address that gap but also provide a significant boost to the Yankees’ offense, which has been inconsistent at times this season. His left-handed power would play well in Yankee Stadium, and his ability to get on base could help lengthen a lineup that has often relied too heavily on Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.

The Cost of Acquisition: Prospects and Payroll

Acquiring a player of Devers’ caliber and contract status would not come cheap. According to industry insiders, the Red Sox would likely demand a “king’s ransom” in return. Any potential deal would almost certainly begin with the Yankees’ top prospect, George Lombard Jr., who has been making waves since his promotion to Double-A Somerset. Lombard’s combination of athleticism, power, and defensive versatility makes him one of the most coveted young players in the Yankees’ system.

But the price wouldn’t stop there. The Yankees might also be asked to include right-hander Luis Gil, whose electric arm has flashed tremendous upside, even if he has yet to fully harness his potential at the major league level. Add to that Ben Hess, the Yankees’ 2024 first-round pick known for his high-octane fastball and strikeout ability, and Carlos LeBrange, a hard-throwing reliever with significant upside. To sweeten the deal, the Yankees could also toss in Francisco Valerio, an outfield prospect with intriguing tools.

Even with such a prospect haul, the Yankees would have to absorb the remainder of Devers’ contract, which averages $31 million per year through 2033. This is a significant financial commitment, especially considering the team is already on the hook for Giancarlo Stanton’s contract through 2027. The luxury tax implications and long-term payroll flexibility would be major considerations for the Yankees’ front office.

Is Devers Worth the Risk for the Yankees?

The central question for Yankees management is whether Devers is the right fit, both in terms of on-field impact and financial investment. There’s no denying his offensive prowess, but his defensive limitations and resistance to changing positions could create challenges, especially if he is limited to designated hitter duties for much of his contract.

Yet, the Yankees have shown a willingness in recent years to make bold moves in pursuit of championships. Adding Devers would signal their intent to go all-in, potentially transforming the lineup into one of the most formidable in the league. His presence would reduce the pressure on Judge and Stanton, provide much-needed left-handed balance, and give the Yankees a legitimate middle-of-the-order threat for years to come.

The Red Sox’s Perspective: A Difficult Decision

From the Red Sox’s standpoint, trading Devers would be a seismic move. He is one of the faces of the franchise and a fan favorite, and moving him would surely be met with backlash from the Boston faithful. However, if the relationship between player and team has soured over the position switch, and if the Red Sox are eyeing a retool or rebuild, a trade could net them significant long-term assets. The key would be maximizing the return and ensuring that any deal with the Yankees—or any other team—sets the organization up for future success.

The Market for First Basemen and Power Bats

Another factor complicating any potential Devers trade is the upcoming free agent market for first basemen and power hitters. Players like Kyle Schwarber, Paul Goldschmidt, Reese Hoskins, Josh Naylor, and possibly Pete Alonso (should he opt out) will be available, giving teams alternatives to trading for Devers. This could limit the Red Sox’s leverage and make it harder to extract top value in a trade.

Conclusion: Unlikely, But Not Impossible

While a Red Sox-Yankees trade involving Rafael Devers remains a long shot, the circumstances surrounding both teams make it a fascinating possibility. The Yankees’ need for a left-handed bat and infield help, combined with Cabrera’s injury and Devers’ situation in Boston, create a scenario worth monitoring as the trade deadline approaches. Whether the Yankees are willing to pay the steep price in prospects and payroll remains to be seen, but in baseball, stranger things have happened.

For now, Yankees fans and baseball observers alike will watch closely as rumors continue to swirl. Would you want your team to pursue Rafael Devers, or is the cost simply too high? The debate is on, and the next few weeks could bring even more surprises to the 2024 MLB season. Stay tuned for all the latest updates, trade rumors, and analysis as this story develops.