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The Chicago Cubs are actively exploring options to improve their roster as they aim to stay competitive in the race for the National League Central. One of the most pressing needs is at third base, following the recent decision to option promising rookie Matt Shaw to Triple-A Iowa. Shaw, selected 13th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, showed flashes of his offensive potential but struggled early in the 2025 season. Through 18 games, he posted a .172 batting average with one home run and three RBIs, prompting the Cubs to send him down for more consistent playing time and development.
While the Cubs remain committed to Shaw’s long-term future, the current roster construction leaves them without a solid third-base solution for a team trying to win now. The urgency to win the division this year suggests that a short-term fix — or even a longer-term upgrade — may be necessary.
That’s where the name Rafael Devers comes into play. Devers, the Boston Red Sox’s power-hitting third baseman, is reportedly frustrated with his current role and how the organization has handled the infield situation. His discontent started when the Red Sox pursued Alex Bregman in free agency, a move that caused speculation about Devers potentially being moved off third base. Though Bregman ultimately didn’t sign with Boston, the situation left a lasting impression on Devers, who has made his displeasure known.
Andrew Wright of Newsweek recently proposed the idea of the Cubs trading for Devers. While he acknowledges that it’s a long shot, it’s not entirely off the table — especially if Boston continues to underperform. “While this one is a little far-fetched, it is well known that Devers grew extremely frustrated with the Red Sox during the Bregman sweepstakes,” Wright wrote. “It is a hefty contract to take on and it is unlikely Boston would ever think about trading Devers, but it couldn’t hurt to make a call to the Red Sox and see what it would take to get one of the game’s best hitters to Wrigley Field.”
From a financial standpoint, Devers’ contract is no small commitment. He signed a 10-year, $313 million extension in early 2023, with the intention of being the Red Sox cornerstone for years to come. However, if Boston continues to flounder — they’re currently 9-10 and already two games out in the highly competitive AL East — it’s not impossible that they explore a retool or rebuild at the trade deadline. If that happens, moving Devers could be on the table if the return is right.
For the Cubs, the upside of trading for Devers is obvious. He’s one of the premier left-handed hitters in the league and would immediately add punch to the middle of the lineup. He’s a career .280+ hitter with multiple 30-homer seasons under his belt and playoff experience, all of which would be valuable to a Chicago team trying to make a deep run in October. His presence could also take pressure off other hitters like Seiya Suzuki, Cody Bellinger, and Dansby Swanson, giving the team a more balanced offensive attack.
There are also potential defensive concerns to consider. While Devers has held down third base for most of his career, defensive metrics have never been his strong suit. There’s been talk in Boston about eventually transitioning him to first base or designated hitter, especially after their interest in Bregman. That said, the Cubs may be willing to take that risk given his offensive upside.
Still, any trade would likely require a substantial return. The Cubs would probably need to part with at least one top-10 prospect and possibly a young major league-ready player. Even then, Boston would have to weigh the optics of trading their franchise player less than two years after his extension — a move that could anger a fanbase already losing patience.
Ultimately, the idea of Rafael Devers in a Cubs uniform may seem unlikely now, but if the Red Sox slip further in the standings and Devers’ frustrations continue to simmer, the door might open slightly. The Cubs would be wise to keep that line of communication open. In the meantime, they’ll need to find a short-term fix at third base if they want to stay ahead in a tight NL Central race.
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