Red Sox could cut ties with Rafael Devers through trade with NL West squad

The Boston Red Sox have found themselves in a tough spot with Rafael Devers. He is playing extremely well, but could be causing problems in the clubhouse.

Devers was requested to play first base by Craig Breslow, and comments he made about the request and Breslow's decision-making were not received well by his teammates, according to the Boston Herald's Gabrielle Starr. Rumors about trading Devers have begun to swirl, and Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller tabbed the Arizona Diamondbacks as a trade fit.

Miller noted that Jordan Lawlar is likely the answer to replacing Eugenio Suárez. However, the Diamondbacks have shown they can make unexpected moves in the past.

"Eugenio Suárez is in the final year of his deal, but Arizona's answer is probably the 22-year-old it called up on Monday, Jordan Lawlar," wrote Miller. "At any rate, it's more likely the D-backs spend to replace Zac Gallen in the rotation and/or Josh Naylor at first base than investing heavily in Devers. Then again, who foresaw them signing Corbin Burnes a few months ago?"

Devers could remain at designated hitter if he were traded to the Diamondbacks. He has settled into the role nicely after a 0-for-19 start to the year. He is slashing .285/.407/.494 this year. He is also leading the American League in walks.

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The National League West is shaping up to be a tough fight, and right now the Diamondbacks are a tier behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres. Adding Devers to their lineup could change that. The Diamondbacks, 22-20, are 5.5 games back of the Dodgers for first in the division. However, they are in fourth place overall. If they want to remain competitive and make a postseason push in a loaded NL, they will need to make improvements.

More MLB: Yankees could do unthinkable, trade for Rafael Devers after Oswaldo Cabrera injury