MLB Insider Predicts Red Sox Next Move After Rafael Devers Trade

The Boston Red Sox find themselves in a unique spot after trading Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in one of the most stunning moves in MLB history. The team just got rid of their best hitter, but they are on a roll and intend on buying ahead of the trade deadline.

While the Red Sox added pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison in exchange for Devers, they still need help at this spot. Hicks is currently on the injured list, while Harrison immediately got optioned to Triple-A to reconfigure his arsenal. Also coming over in the deal were prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello.

With Devers gone, Boston’s lineup needs more firepower immediately. While there’s reason to believe Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and Kristian Campbell will be given playing time, if the Sox want to contend this year, they need to find someone who can help offset the loss of Devers’ production at the plate.

When discussing what the Red Sox plan is moving forward, MLB insider Jon Heyman made it clear that he believes their needs from before the Devers deal still exist. As a result, Heyman thinks the front office is still targeting a hitter who can preferably play first base, in addition to bringing in more pitching help.

“The Sox are going to be looking for a bat I believe, as well as firming up the pitching,” Heyman said on B/R Walk-Off. “I think they’re still gonna be active, I don’t see them as a seller, I think they are a buyer.”

After losing Triston Casas to a season-ending ruptured patellar tendon injury, first base has been a hole that the Red Sox are looking to fill. With Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro continuing to exceed expectations, though, it’s fair to wonder if those plans could change.

And while the pitching staff has been better as of late, help could still be brought to town. Acquiring starters who can help out behind Garrett Crochet would be nice, and adding a more consistent setup man in front of Aroldis Chapman couldn’t hurt either.

In the immediate future, the Red Sox are going to simply look to figure out what their new norm looks like without Devers. However, they are still expected to be active on the trade market as a buyer, especially if they keep on winning like they have been as of late.