Report: Red Sox will not move prospect Rafael Devers at trade deadline

Brian Hines
Contributing Writer

Rafael Devers reacts during the All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park.
Photo Courtesy of Rob Carr/Getty Images

According to MLB.com, Red Sox prospect Rafael Devers will not be available for trade in any deal at the deadline.

Devers, who is the top prospect in the Red Sox system, was promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket later last week. He hit 4-4 with two singles, a double and a home run in his first game.

Boston has made it known they are looking to improve their third base position after DFAing Pablo Sandoval. Names like Todd Frazier, Martin Prado and Jed Lowrie have all been mentioned as potential trade candidates. If the Sox cannot land an upgrade at third, perhaps Devers could see time at third in late August or early September.

Devers has been labeled the Red Sox next franchise third basemen due to his skills at the plate. He has power potential of 30-plus home runs which contributes to his all-star potential. SoxProspects.com describes his hitting as followed:
Fluid, easy swing. Natural hitter. Strong, quick wrists. Future plus hit tool. Easy plus bat speed and an advanced approach for his age. Solid swing mechanics and separation in stride. Very controlled for someone with his bat speed and ability to drive the baseball. Able to recognize spin, and has decent knowledge of the strike zone. Can let the ball get deep on the outer half and still have the strength to drive it the other way.
In the field, he is quite athletic even with his larger, well-built frame. Some have questioned whether he will need to switch positions in the past due to his body, but he has solid range and should be able to develop as a long-term third basemen.

Devers could certainly receive a big haul for the Sox in the up and coming deadline, but losing yet another top prospect for a rental would be a big risk move. Devers certainly has the ability to be an impact player for the Red Sox for a long time.

Summation review by SoxProspects.com: All-Star potential regardless of position due to his value at the plate. Potential to be a plus hitter for average with plus-to-better power. One of the most exciting young players in the system in years. Mature approach for his age; has shown the ability to handle aggressive assignments and make adjustments to periods of struggle. Glove plays at third base. Surprisingly agile given his build and will make the routine plays and some of the tough ones. Unlikely to be a Gold Glove candidate, but also won’t be a liability and should develop into at least an average third baseman, an outcome the Red Sox will happily accept given his offensive potential. If a defensive move is necessary his bat will still play at either first base or designated hitter.