According to his own standards, Giants DH Rafael Devers is experiencing a below-average season at the plate. He currently has a .247 batting average and an OPS just under .800. With 18 home runs and 49 RBIs so far, he is forecasted to finish 2026 with 31 homers and 85 RBIs.
Discussing Devers’ recent conflict with Giants management over a pinch-runner incident last month, as well as his treatment by the Red Sox, which ultimately led to his departure from Fenway Park, MLB analyst and WFAN radio host Chris McMonigle proposed an unusual trade idea for the Yankees. He suggested that, if all conditions align, the Yankees could replace the struggling Giancarlo Stanton with Devers.
“I’ve been thinking about it all day, all night. I’ve been thinking about Rafael Devers, and I think that he would love to come here, jump into a pennant race, join the New York Yankees, and have an opportunity to stick it to the Boston Red Sox, right? He’s miserable about how it’s handled there and everything. He’s miserable out in San Francisco. He’s having a down year for him,” McMonigle said.
“He’s got like a just under .800 OPS, but I think if you bring him to the short porch in the Bronx, where he has been uber successful his whole career, he has an opportunity to go win with the Yankees and stick it to the Red Sox, and you replace Giancarlo Stanton’s contract with Rafael Devers’ contract,” he added.
“Maybe you could work out a buyout for Stanton next year, or you just live with paying half their money because God knows how many games they’re going to play next year, and you give yourself a legitimate chance to go and win a championship this year with another loaded bat in the middle of that lineup,” McMonigle concluded.
Devers is a three-time All-Star, a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and even played a crucial role in the Red Sox’s triumphant run to the World Series in 2018.
Has Rafael Devers’ Resurgence Boosted His Trade Value?
After a sluggish start to the campaign, Devers has since picked up the pace at the plate, though his stats still lag behind those from past campaigns. Despite that, the numbers show meaningful progress that can generate interest from credible ballclubs looking to add depth to their hitting lineup come October baseball.
Trading Devers, who still has $199.5 million remaining on his seven-year contract, will be challenging. The Giants might need to assume some of his contract costs, but better performance could boost league interest. At only 29, Devers likely isn’t at the end of his prime; sometimes, talented players face difficulties after switching teams.
A change of scenery might help Devers regain the offensive rhythm that established him as one of MLB’s top hitters. While he is known for his power, Devers’ strength lies in his exceptional bat speed and his ability to hit to all parts of the field without solely relying on home runs.
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