Red Sox, Padres Trade Pitch Would Turn Rafael Devers ‘Headache’ Into $108 Million Ace

The Boston Red Sox have found themselves in a bind with Rafael Devers. Devers is adamant that he will play third base, pushing newly signed Alex Bregman to second base.

Not only has the situation put manager Alex Cora in an odd position, but first baseman Triston Casas could be making the situation worse. He spoke on who the third baseman should be when he spoke to reporters.

“I think it’s (Rafael) Devers’ position. I think he’s the third baseman,” Casas told reporters. “I think he’s only getting better at that position. I think his defense is getting better every single year. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know it holds (Rafael) Devers.”

FanSided’s Zach Pressnell suggested that Casas’ comments could come off as offensive to the Red Sox organization after they committed $120 million to Bregman.

“A response like this from a 25-year-old who’s played less than two full seasons in the big leagues is a huge shock,” wrote Pressnell. “The Red Sox front office could take offense to these remarks and opt to trade him. It could open the door to Boston pulling off a trade for San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease.”

Pressnell suggested the team could turn the “headache” caused by Casas into Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres with this trade:

• Red Sox receive: right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease
• Padres receive: first baseman Triston Casas, shortstop Yoeilin Cespedes
  and right-handed pitcher David Sandlin

Spotrac projects Cease to earn a five-year, $108 million deal in free agency. He has a 3.40 ERA over the last three seasons and has been a consistent Cy Young Award candidate as well. Acquiring Cease would give the Red Sox another elite arm along with Garrett Crochet. Additionally, it would send a clear message that the organization will not stand for players speaking out on roster decisions.

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