The Red Sox have found themselves in a tricky situation with Rafael Devers. After Triston Casas was injured, Devers was approached by chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, to play first base.
According to MassLive's Christopher Smith, Devers made it very clear that he was not going to switch positions again. The team moved him to be a full-time designated hitter after signing Alex Bregman to play third base. Devers' comments have created more problems for the Red Sox in the clubhouse.
MLB insider Héctor Gómez suggested that Devers could actually request a trade. Devers' comments to the media indicated that he was upset with how the team was handling the loss of Casas. He felt they were not staying true to their word after telling him he would only be the designated hitter when they took him off third base.
"Yeah," Devers replied to a question on if he was upset about being asked to play first base. "I don’t think they stay true to their word. They told me I was going to be playing this position, DH. And now they are going back on that. So yeah, I don’t think they stay true to their word."
A trade request from Devers would send a shockwave around the league. He is a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger. However, his recent comments could have him being viewed as a clubhouse problem.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
His $313 million contract would be a hurdle in trade talks. However, there are plenty of teams that could use an elite third baseman or designated hitter. Devers has a .855 career OPS and 206 home runs. Should he request a trade, all eyes would be on him near the trade deadline.
More MLB: Yankees-Angels blockbuster trade pitch sends future Hall of Famer to NY