The Philadelphia Phillies didn’t change much about their offense after a disappointing playoff exit last fall, but it isn’t too late to make a major change.
The team is under some pressure to make good on World Series aspirations as several members of its star core could be on new teams next season. J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber and Ranger Suarez are all headed to free agency if they aren’t extended first.
And with the Phillies’ feet to the fire, it might be time to capitalize on some drama in the Boston Red Sox clubhouse.
Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers seems to be unhappy with his front office following multiple requests that he change positions. He was moved to a designated hitter role in spring training and now, after the team approached him about playing first base, he has openly criticized chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.
“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 added that Bohm would be a good fit as a first baseman replacement in Boston and that he offers a key right-handed bat for their order. Plus, he noted, the Phillies could consider Devers as a long-term DH in the event Schwarber departs in free agency.
It would be a surprising blockbuster, but there’s reason to think this trade could become a reality. Particularly if Devers’ frustration in Boston grows.
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