How the Boston Red Sox Trade of Rafael Devers Impacts Another High-Priced Slugger

Masataka Yoshida, who hasn't had a place on the roster, suddenly does once he's back from injury.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida (7) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run against the New York Yankees in the sixth inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 18. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

On Sunday, the Boston Red Sox surprisingly traded All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants for four players, including two prospects.

At this moment, the Red Sox' roster is undeniably worse than it was yesterday, as Devers is one of the best hitters in baseball. A three-time All-Star, he's also a two-time Silver Slugger who helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2018.

So, what happens now for Boston as they look to fill a giant hole in the lineup?

A chance for Masataka Yoshida?

Yoshida signed a five-year, $90 million deal before the 2023 season and has performed well, but not spectacularly. He's a .285 hitter over the last two seasons with 25 homers. He only played 108 games last season and hasn't played yet this year because of right shoulder surgery that he underwent at the end of 2024. With Devers clogging up the designated hitter spot and Yoshida's inability to throw, there really hasn't been any spot for him on the roster. Now, perhaps Yoshida can get into the lineup quicker, solely as a hitter, since the DH spot is opened up.

And just like that, Masataka Yoshida has a path to playing time in Boston again. The injuries have been brutal to him, so he's going to be eager to prove himself. Not the same hitter archetype, but compare his trajectory to Seiya Suzuki.

Suzuki wRC+
NPB Career: 169
NPB Final… pic.twitter.com/kzgQZswB7O

— Yakyu Cosmopolitan (@yakyucosmo) June 16, 2025

Alex Bregman loading?

Bregman, 31, is hitting .299 this season with 11 homers and 35 RBIs. Currently on the injured list because of a quad injury, perhaps he could come back quicker and assume the DH role until he's healthy enough to go back to third base.

Outfield log jam answers?

The Red Sox have Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Roman Anthony and Wilyer Abreu as key outfielders, with Rob Refsnyder also seeing time in the outfield as well. Right now, it all fits together because Abreu is on the injured list with an oblique issue, but when he returns, the log jam will be present again. The open DH spot could allow them to retain all four outfield options on the roster, with Refsnyder playing against lefties and replacing one of Anthony or Abreu.

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