The Chicago Cubs are reportedly leading the chase to land Boston Red Sox superstar Rafael Devers, according to MLB insiders and recent trade rumors. As Boston reshapes its defense and Devers adapts to a full-time DH role, the Cubs see a golden opportunity to add a franchise-changing bat to their lineup.

Why Devers Makes Sense for Chicago

Filling the Third Base Void

Chicago’s hot corner has been a revolving door in 2025. Top prospect Matt Shaw struggled in his MLB debut (.189 BA in 18 games), forcing the Cubs to rely on veterans like Justin Turner and Jon Berti. Devers’ career .278 average and 254 HRs would bring immediate stability while creating an elite offensive core with Kyle Tucker and Ian Happ.

Contract Synergy

With 28millioninavailableluxurytaxspace,theCubscancomfortablyabsorbDevers’33M annual salary through 2030. This timeline aligns perfectly with their competitive window under manager Craig Counsell, who’s prioritized win-now moves since taking the helm.

The Red Sox Perspective

Boston’s signing of Alex Bregman (2024 Gold Glove winner) pushed Devers into a DH role – a transition that’s been rocky. Through 24 games in 2025:

• .202 batting average

• 2 HRs

• MLB-leading 21 walks

While his plate discipline remains elite (.345 OBP), the defensive shift makes him expendable for a Sox team eyeing younger talent.

Trade Cost: Prospects vs. Proven Talent

Sources indicate Boston wants a package built around:

1. Matt Shaw (Cubs’ #2 prospect)

2. MLB-ready pitchers Jordan Wicks or Ben Brown

This mirrors Chicago’s aggressive 2024 strategy when they acquired Tucker by dealing top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong.

NL Central Implications

Shifting Power Dynamics

The Cardinals’ surprise collapse in 2024 (79-83 record) has opened the door for Cubs dominance. As analyst Andrew Wright notes:
*"A Tucker-Devers combo gives Chicago the first 30-HR/30-SB duo in the division since Pujols and Holliday. That’s a nightmare for pitching staffs."*

Historic Trade Parallels

This potential deal echoes the Cubs’ 2016 acquisition of Aroldis Chapman from the Yankees – a move that directly fueled their World Series run. A Devers trade could similarly reshape both leagues’ competitive balance.

Risks and Rewards

Why it works for Chicago:

• Adds a proven lefty power bat (career .503 SLG)

• Maintains prospect depth (OF Owen Caissie, C Moises Ballesteros still in system)

Potential pitfalls:

• Devers’ defensive limitations (-12 DRS at 3B since 2022)

• $230M remaining on contract through age-33 season

The Verdict

While Devers’ slow start raises questions, his career .858 OPS against right-handed pitching (.297 vs RHP in 2024) makes him an ideal fit for Wrigley Field. For a Cubs team that’s missed the playoffs three straight years, this high-stakes move could accelerate their rebuild and ignite a new rivalry chapter with Boston. With the July 30 trade deadline approaching, Chicago’s front office faces its biggest test since ending the 108-year championship drought.