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Cubs Reportedly Inquired With Red Sox About Rafael Devers Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 11:10 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs are one of the top teams in the National League, and currently lead the division by 3.5 games after losing the series to the Seattle Mariners. If there were one area that the Cubs are known for this year, it'd be their high-powered offense.

With four incredible outfielders and plenty of other sluggers in the lineup, the Cubs' offense is one of the best in baseball. But the Cubs had been working on making another major splash.

According to a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs were one of the teams that had inquired with the Boston Red Sox about trading for Rafael Devers.

"The Red Sox say that they had conversations with the Mariners, Cubs, Padres, Blue Jays," Nightengale wrote. "And Atlanta about Devers before dealing him to San Francisco."

The Cubs were one of the teams involved in trade talks for Devers, but it'd be difficult for the Cubs to pull off. The Cubs would likely have to assume all of Devers' contract, which would be worth around $250 million over the next nine seasons.

With the looming Kyle Tucker extension, the Cubs trading for Devers would be a questionable choice. Also, Chicago would have to give up pitching prospects or depth, something that they realistically don't have.

Another major hurdle would be where the Cubs would place Devers. He had refused to play first base and has struggled at third base defensively. With Tucker, Seiya Suzuki, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Ian Happ taking up the outfield and designated hitter spots, Devers wouldn't have a clear place to go.

Meanwhile, at first base, Michael Busch has been great for the Cubs and wouldn't warrant making a change. At third base, Matt Shaw has played better since getting recalled to the Majors after a stint in the Minor Leagues.

Overall, between the money restrictions, the lack of a spot in the lineup, and the Cubs not having the assets the Red Sox were looking for, it seems like a Devers to Cubs deal was unlikely. While adding a slugger of his caliber would be exciting, the Cubs didn't have a lot of ways to fit Devers on their roster.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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