Red Sox trade pitch brings $100 million first baseman to Boston

The Boston Red Sox traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, but are still within striking distance of a postseason berth. They could swing a blockbuster trade to help them reach the postseason.

The Red Sox do not intend to be sellers at the trade deadline, despite trading Devers. Trading Devers may actually give them more freedom to explore big trades since they got rid of the remainder of his $313 million contract. They have a need at first base, and MLB.com's Mark Feinsand tabbed Josh Naylor of the Arizona Diamondbacks as a trade fit.

"Arizona has climbed back into the playoff race with a good start to June, leaving the Diamondbacks in striking distance of a Wild Card spot and still in the conversation in the NL West," wrote Feinsand. "But Naylor is one of more than a half-dozen impending free agents on the roster, and given that a number of teams could use a big corner-infield bat, it’s possible that Arizona could move Naylor (or Eugenio Suárez) and his expiring contract to address other needs."

Naylor is projected to earn a five-year, $100 million deal in free agency. If the Diamondbacks are not contenders by the trade deadline and do not intend to pay him, he could be dealt. For the Red Sox, he would fill a huge need.

Since Triston Casas' injury, first base has been a revolving door for the Red Sox. Naylor has a .302/.356/.474 slash line with nine home runs. He was an All-Star last season for the Cleveland Guardians. Although he will be a free agent after the season, the Red Sox can now afford to pay him if they think he brings long-term stability to first base.

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As for Casas, he was struggling even before his injury. Despite the potential he may have, he has struggled to stay on the field, and just suffered an injury that could change the way he plays. Trading for Naylor would give the Red Sox an everyday option at first base for this season, while also allowing them to see if he can be a key part of their future.

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