Whenever it seems like the dust might settle around Rafael Devers’ future in the Red Sox, a fresh wave of speculation sends the rumor mill spinning again. What was once a franchise-player narrative has now turned into a saga with twists that few anticipated. The story now feels less like a contract situation and more like a high-stakes chess match between front office strategy and long-term vision. Amidst that, insiders are constantly sharing new insights, some grounded, others bordering on wild conjecture.

And now, a new probability has emerged. One that threatens to ignite the fanbase all over again.

Devers, the face of the franchise and a cornerstone for nearly a decade, was left miffed when the Red Sox CBO, Craig Breslow, approached him about a position change. From the hot corner to DH! The move felt less like a tactical shift and more like a decision made without him. And, now again, that same urgency can be seen in a potential move to first base. Devers might be in a limbo right now, while fans wonder what the front office’s true endgame is!

“I think he’s gonna get traded. Craig Breslow did not sign off on the Rafael Devers extension, and I think he is going to p— off Rafael Devers to the point where he says well s—,” MLB insider Chris Rose remarked.

Now here’s the underlying truth few are saying out loud.

You would agree that offering over $300 million for a long-term DH isn’t a sustainable model. Especially for a franchise that has always valued flexibility and upside. With a pipeline of young infielders ready to make their mark and lingering concerns about Devers’ fitness and long-term durability, the organization seems to be quietly engineering a way out.

So, by placing him into a role he never wanted, the Red Sox may be hoping the next move comes from Devers himself, a trade request.

“An unnamed player supposedly told Rafael Devers to just stop talking,” MLB insider Christopher Smith added.

And adding to the pressure is the growing unease inside the Red Sox clubhouse. While Devers remains a respected presence, his refusal to consider a move to first base has quietly ruffled feathers. Some teammates reportedly see his stance as inflexible, especially as the team is trying to build around cohesion and adaptability. That tension, although subtle, but mounting, could be the final push that accelerates his departure.

Devers is a trading challenge 

Fortunately, Rafael Devers has recently found his rhythm as the Red Sox’s designated hitter. He has scored four home runs, 11 walks, and 13 RBIs over his last 15 games. It’s a hot streak that he likely won’t want to jeopardize by shifting to an unfamiliar defensive role, especially one he’s never played before.

Moreover, Devers is also carrying the weight of the richest contract in franchise history, which complicates any trade scenarios.

His bat is elite, but after a string of public disagreements with team management this season, his value on the market could be limited. But Devers is 28 now, and hence, teams might line up behind him to get a reliable third baseman for the long term.

Here comes the Mets! They could indeed be an intriguing landing spot for Rafael Devers. While Brett Baty has potential, he hasn’t locked down the position. So, Devers would be an immediate upgrade. A consistent left-handed power at the short corner. Moreover, the Mets’ ownership has shown a willingness to take on big contracts, which could absorb Devers’ deal more easily than most teams.

Well, it will come with challenges. Given Devers’ issues with Boston’s front office, the Mets would need to be confident that he can mesh with their clubhouse and management. Especially under a microscope-heavy New York media environment. So, it would take a lot – financial flexibility and a willingness to gamble on personality dynamics – for a deal to happen. Breslow got a challenging task here!