The Boston Red Sox traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants earlier this week. The move seemingly indicated the team’s intention to sell at the trade deadline, but Craig Breslow said the team is not giving up on the season, during a press conference posted on the team’s YouTube channel after the Devers trade.
Trading Devers after the team had clawed itself back into the postseason picture was certainly a shock. However, the team managed to trade away the remainder of Devers’ $313 million deal, saving more than $270 million over the next eight-plus years.
The move gives the Red Sox some freedom to explore more expensive options at the trade deadline and free agency. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposed a “dream” trade idea that would bring Mike Trout to the Red Sox from the Los Angeles Angels.
“They badly need right-handed thump, and Trout could provide it by slotting into Devers’ old haunt at DH, with only occasional duty in Boston’s youth-infused outfield,” wrote Rymer. “Of course, Trout would have to have faith that the Red Sox can actually contend after mostly not doing so since 2018. But if his choice is between the Red Sox and the Angels, the former is by far the better bet to make sure he doesn’t remain stuck on three career playoff games.”
Trout is a future Hall of Famer, three-time MVP Award winner, 11-time All-Star and nine-time Silver Slugger. However, he has not done much winning in his career. The Red Sox are still in position to make a postseason push, and adding one of the best players of all time would help the cause.
Trout has five-plus years left on his 12-year, $426 million deal. The superstar has a full no-trade clause and has remained loyal to the Angels after years of the team failing to build a true contender. The Angels managed to squander multiple seasons with Shohei Ohtani and Trout on the team. Could he finally be open to a change of scenery?
The Red Sox are a young team that could use Trout. Trout has dealt with injuries over the last few seasons and has already missed time this year. However, he is slashing .317/.408/.433 since his return from the injured list.
