Red Sox would ship Rafael Devers to Cubs in league-altering trade proposal

The Boston Red Sox have found themselves in a tough spot with Rafael Devers. He is upset with the organization's handling of his position and could explore trading him.

According to MassLive's Christopher Smith, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow approached Devers about playing first base, but he did not take kindly to the request. Devers is upset that the organization wants him to change positions for the second time in a few months after telling him he would strictly be the designated hitter. 

According to the Boston Herald's Gabrielle Starr, his teammates did not have a positive reaction to his comments. Devers is now becoming a problem in the clubhouse, so Newsweek's Andrew Wright proposed this trade to send Rafael Devers to the Chicago Cubs:

• Red Sox receive: 3B Matt Shaw (CHC No. 4 prospect), OF Kevin Alcántara (CHC No. 6 prospect), RHP Jack Neely (CHC No. 16 prospect) and INF Jon Berti
• Cubs receive: 3B/DH Rafael Devers

"The Red Sox get rid of someone who may be starting to become a bad culture guy in the locker room and the Cubs get the answer they've been looking for at third base," wrote Wright. "Boston gets a plethora of young and controllable prospects in return, as well as utilityman Jon Berti."

The Cubs started the season with top prospect Matt Shaw playing third base. After some early struggles, he was sent down to Triple-A. Devers could go back to playing third base on the Cubs as they look to capitalize on their time with Kyle Tucker, in case they lose him in free agency.

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Trading Devers will not be easy, and will likely not happen unless Devers requests to be moved. His $313 million contract would be a hurdle to clear in trade talks. However, trading for him would give the Cubs a third baseman for years to come. He makes up for his deficiencies defensively at the plate. He is a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger.

The Red Sox would be getting three talented prospects back in this deal, as well as a big leaguer. Alcántara would further complicate the outfield situation in Boston, but he has a lot of potential as a player.

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