Cardinals: 6 stars St. Louis should trade for this off-season

BOSTON, MA - MAY 6: Tim Anderson #7 of the Chicago White Sox safely slides into third base as Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox bobbles the ball in the third inning at Fenway Park on May 6, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 6: Tim Anderson #7 of the Chicago White Sox safely slides into third base as Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox bobbles the ball in the third inning at Fenway Park on May 6, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
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Red Sox Rafael Devers
Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox hits an RBI single against the Baltimore Orioles. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

3B Rafael Devers

Like Mookie Betts before him, Rafael Devers is one year away from free agency are rumors are swirling that he could be traded this off-season. His natural position of third base is covered by Arenado, but that should not stop the Cardinals from bringing in one of the best left-handed bats in all of baseball.

In 2022, Devers slashed .296/.358/.521 with 27 HR and 88 RBI in 141 games for the Red Sox. Devers would bring St. Louis one of the few bats in the game that can compare to Goldschmidt and Arenado, but do so from the left-side, which St. Louis desperately needs.

Devers could easily slot in as the club’s primary designated hitter and spell Arenado at third base when needed. Devers could feasibly play first base as well as needed, and if necessary, could find some innings at second base as well. When it comes to a bat like Devers, you make him fit no matter what.

The price for Devers on the trade market would not be as much as one would think. Being a year away from free agency and not a very good defender at a weak position, a package around Nolan Gorman and a few prospects should do the trick. With $70 million coming off the books after the 2023 season, St. Louis may even be able to extend Devers long-term. If I am John Mozeliak, I am calling Boston right now.

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