MLB
Rafael Devers Trade Rumors Heat Up: Tigers, Cubs, Mariners Among Top Landing Spots
Based in Canada, Gia is a Sports Casting contributor. She graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Science, so she knows the make-up of a winning bet. Gia uses her analytical background to tell stories using the latest data and statistics. Her work has been sourced by Entrepreneur, Inquirer, and more. Gia is also interested in health, wellness, and yoga.
Get to know Gia Nguyen betterPublished29 May 2025
The Rafael Devers saga has continued to unfold in Boston and the situation doesn’t look like it will be resolved anytime soon. With a fractured relationship with the front office and manager Alex Cora, it appears to be only a matter of time before the organization begins to field offers for the enigmatic slugger.
Devers is just 28 years old and in the second year of a 10-year, $313.5 million contract. He’s owed $266 million over the next nine seasons, amounting to an annual average value of $29.6 million. While that’s a massive financial commitment, his elite production at the plate continues to justify it.
Devers ranks in the 100th percentile in hard-hit rate, and after a red-hot May, he’s again reminding teams why he’s one of the most dangerous left-handed hitters in baseball.
If the Red Sox decide to move him, several playoff contenders could come calling. Here are the top landing spots if Boston puts Devers on the trade block this summer.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers have quietly become one of the most complete teams in baseball, leading the American League with a 37–20 record. Offensively, they’ve relied on timely contributions from Riley Greene and a resurgent Kerry Carpenter, but the designated hitter spot has been a revolving door.
Adding Devers would instantly add some pop to the lineup and give Detroit a true middle-of-the-order presence as they aim to claim their first AL Central crown since 2014. With top-end starting pitching already in place, trading for Devers could make the Tigers a legitimate World Series contender in 2025 and beyond.
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs hold a slim lead in the NL Central race and have been finding ways to make things work without an everyday third baseman. Jon Berti has performed irably since taking over the hot corner but this is ultimately a move that could make sense for both teams.
Devers would be a near-perfect fit in a lineup that has flashed impressive power this season. He would also likely move back to third base in Chicago, a position he played for most of his MLB career.
Cubs’ No. 1 prospect Matt Shaw, No. 4 prospect Moises Ballesteros, and pitcher Nazier Mule (Cubs’ No. 26 prospect) could be enough long-term talent to move the needle for the Red Sox front office.
St. Louis Cardinals
Another NL Central team could be in the mix for Devers. The St. Louis Cardinals have $45 million coming off of the books in 2025 and could afford to take a gamble on a proven hitter like Devers.
The Cardinals lineup lacks power. They are tied for 21st in the MLB in home runs and only one player has hit more than six home runs (Lars Nootbar with 8 HR) so far this season.
Adding a middle-of-the-order threat like Devers could help solve that problem and help propel St. Louis over the top in the division race.
Seattle Mariners
Seattle is another team that could use a big bat in the middle of the order as they seek to capture their first AL West title since 2001.
Cal Raleigh has arguably been the Mariners best hitter in 2025 but outfielder Julio Rodriguez has yet to recapture the magic that made him one of the best young sluggers in baseball.
Adding Devers to the lineup would give Seattle another big left-handed power bat in the middle of the lineup and added protection for Rodriguez, who is coming off of his best month of the season in May.
