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Red Sox Get Bad News on Potential Rafael Devers Replacement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Griffin Goodwyn | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 5:30 PM ET

A like-for-like replacement at the designated hitter position is likely what the Boston Red Sox are looking for as they navigate the market ahead of the trade deadline.

The loss of Rafael Devers, who the club dealt to the San Francisco Giants in mid-June, has left a massive hole in the Red Sox lineup. And the team has struggled in his absence, accumulating a 3-6 record (including five losses in its last five games) and averaging just over three runs of offense per game since his departure.

Because of this, the Red Sox are linked with a number of potential trade pieces who could put them back in playoff contention. Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, specifically, is someone who many media members, including ESPN's Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel, believe could fare well in Bean Town.

Engaging in trade talks with Ozuna could prove to be difficult for the Red Sox – or any MLB team, according to Buster Olney, one of Passan's and McDaniel's counterparts at ESPN.

"Marcell Ozuna is included in a lot of trade speculation. But if the Braves ever decided to sell, there's no guarantee he would accept a trade," Olney wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on June 25. "He has 10-5 rights – 10 years in the big leagues, five years with the same team – and can veto any trade."

Ozuna has been posting strong numbers for the Braves so far in 2025, though this year could be considered a down year given "The Big Bear's" previous excellence. He is slashing .247/.378/.404 with 11 home runs, 10 doubles, 40 RBIs, and 1.3 WAR (according to Baseball Reference) through 77 games.

Opting not to trade for Ozuna may provide Masataka Yoshida the opportunity to take over the Red Sox's everyday designated hitter duties. Yoshida, who has yet to appear in a game this season, could soon begin a minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining the big-league squad.

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

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