Even after trading Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, the Boston Red Sox are still in the postseason race this year. Regardless, they will need to address some holes in their roster next offseason.
The Red Sox will reportedly save $250 million by trading Devers, and MassLive’s Chris Cotillo suggested they could use the money to find a new first baseman. Triston Casas was struggling even before his injury, and the future of first base in Boston is unclear.
“Casas’ injury is so severe — and the recovery is so long — that the Red Sox shouldn’t count on him being a lock to play every day in 2026,” Cotillo wrote. “There’s a real question of who projects as Boston’s long-term first baseman and there’s no perfect fit on the roster (or in the system). It’s too early to know exactly who will be available at the deadline. But in Boston’s search for a big bat, the club should look for a big-name, everyday option at first, and one with control, too.”
The Red Sox should have plenty of options at first base, but perhaps the best option is on the New York Yankees. Cody Bellinger has a player option after this season built into his $80 million deal. Bellinger could opt out, and FanSided’s Drew Koch suggested the Red Sox could make a run at him.
“While the Boston outfield would seem to be under lock and key for the foreseeable future, Bellinger has plenty of experience at first base,” wrote Koch. “He’s got one of the sweetest left-handed swings in the game and could opt out of his contract with New York this offseason. Many baseball fans forget that Bellinger is still just 29 years old.”
Bellinger is a two-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and former National League MVP. He is slashing .251/.320/.442 this season with 10 home runs. He would figure to be a full-time first baseman for the Red Sox, who have Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran in their outfield right now.
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