“The idea of a trade at some point isn’t all that far-fetched.” – The Boston Red Sox better start warming up to that possibility. Their $313.5 million star, Rafael Devers, is currently without his desired position. And maybe soon enough, without his team as well. Yes, the Red Sox might have to bid adieu to their power-hitting cornerstone. Undoubtedly, it’s far from ideal, but it’s one of those under-the-surface woes that might cost the team their 28-year-old slugger.

Before we take a dip in speculative waters, let’s be on the same page that Devers has signaled to the Red Sox time and again that he never wanted to move off the third base. He had played this position for eight major league seasons until the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to a 3-year, $120 million contract.

Just as Bregman entered during spring training, Devers was asked to move to the DH despite the fact that he never wanted to. If that wasn’t enough, Devers was also asked to move to first base from DH after Triston Casas was out for the season.

Of course, Devers wasn’t thrilled about it. He also raised the concern, saying, “can’t expect me to play every single position out there.” That’s when the trade buzz followed. Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic made a bold claim on Devers’ future with the Red Sox.

He stated, “The idea of a trade at some point isn’t all that far-fetched, even with Devers owed more than $250 million, including a portion deferred.” See, Devers’ contract lacks a no-trade clause. So, there wouldn’t be any problem trading him.

If Devers’ trade materializes, he would receive a $2 million assignment bonus. He’s an elite hitter and given the structure of his contract, it might soon look like something of a bargain.

However, even around the growing uncertainty about positions, Devers is still the Red Sox’s most reliable bat. He hasn’t let anything waver his on-field performance.

Even without his desired role, Devers named as the AL Player of the Week

By now, you all know how Devers is anything but thrilled with the Boston Red Sox’s dynamics. After switching to DH from third base, he was again asked to switch from DH to first base. However, he refused to move for all the right reasons. Amidst all of the drama with position changes, Devers has still managed to do what he is best at – crushing the baseballs.

This season, he has been serving as Designated hitter. Well, even if he performed poorly at that position, he would never be blamed because his stance was always clear. He never wanted to leave third base. But now, even as DH, he is delivering exceptionally.

Against the Kansas City Royals, he helped the Red Sox take 2 out of 3 games in their favor. He batted .583 with a 1.560 OPS along with 7 hits, 6 RBIs, a double, two walks and a nearly 450-foot-high homer.

Just like that, he is awarded the American League Player of the Week title on Monday, 12th May. Now, he is leading the AL with a stunning set of numbers. His batting average sits at .476 with a .577 OBP and a 1.387 OPS.

Let’s not forget that Devers was originally signed for his offensive prowess, not his glove. Just when Casas was sidelined with injury setbacks, he was called out by many to step up for the Red Sox to fill in at first base.

But if you think about it, it’s the Red Sox that lacks the backup reinforcements. and Devers isn’t wrong to question it. He will never mind delivering his best, but it’s unfair to make him switch positions time and again.