Rafael Devers. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Red Sox announce trade with Angels after Rafael Devers news

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated May 23, 2025 12:58 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels have been surging. Having won seven straight games, they sit just 4.5 games back of first place in the American League West, and 2.5 games back of a wild-card spot. L.A. has done all of this with superstar outfielder Mike Trout on the injured list.

One team that Los Angeles is battling in the AL wild-card race is the Boston Red Sox. At 25-26, Boston is tied with the 24-25 Angels. On Thursday, these two teams announced a trade that will be especially impactful for the Red Sox as they navigate their Rafael Devers situation.

Following the season-ending left patellar tendon injury to Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas, the team asked Devers to move to first base. The three-time All-Star third baseman declined, leaving Boston searching for answers at that position (via MLB on Fox).

Amid this news, the Red Sox announced on Thursday they had acquired first baseman Ryan Noda from the Angels.

The Red Sox announce they've acquired 1B/OF Ryan Noda from the Los Angeles Angels.

To clear space on the roster, Masataka Yoshida has been transferred to the 60-day IL.
— Mac Cerullo (@MacCerullo) May 22, 2025

Noda was designated for assignment by the Angels and had yet to appear in a game for them this season. In his two-year MLB career, the left-handed first baseman owns a 104 OPS+ in 501 at-bats.

The Angels also announced this move on their end, revealing they had received cash considerations from Boston in exchange for Noda. While he has limited MLB experience, Noda will provide organizational depth at a position of need for Boston, especially since it seems Devers will not be taking any reps at first.

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

More must-reads: