After committing a massive $500 million contract to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. over the next ten years, the Toronto Blue Jays made a clear statement: they’re all-in on building a competitive roster. But that investment only pays off if the front office surrounds Guerrero with more high-caliber talent — through trades and free agency.
According to a recent report by Sean McAdam of MassLive, the Blue Jays made a strong attempt to do just that, showing serious interest in trading for Rafael Devers before the Boston Red Sox sent him to the San Francisco Giants.
McAdam reported that the move shocked the baseball world, as the Red Sox had not publicly advertised Devers as being available. However, a few clubs — including the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays — had recently inquired about him. Ultimately, though, none matched the Giants’ aggressive push.
Red Sox’s Controversial Devers Decision
The decision to trade Devers was among the most surprising moves in recent MLB history. While there were whispers about his long-term status in Boston following offseason remarks, Devers had not officially requested a trade. Still, according to Yahoo Sports, although he was open to one, and Boston didn’t actively shop him, the relationship between Devers and the team had deteriorated too far to fix.
This raised questions about the Blue Jays’ involvement: Was Toronto simply trying to add a big bat for 2025, or were they considering Devers as a long-term replacement in the heart of their lineup? With Bo Bichette approaching free agency, their interest in Devers might be a hint of future plans.
Is Bo Bichette Next to Be Moved?
While Bichette and Devers are different players stylistically, Bichette is still an elite talent — he’s led the American League in hits twice and remains one of Toronto’s cornerstone players. Letting him walk would be a mistake, especially for a franchise that has struggled to lure top-tier free agents.
The Red Sox’s handling of Devers could serve as a cautionary tale for the Blue Jays. Letting relationships sour without resolution can destabilize a franchise and drive away stars. If the Blue Jays want to foster a winning culture and keep their top players around, extending someone like Bichette could be vital.
Yahoo Sports summed it up best, describing the Devers trade as a sign of deeper issues within the Red Sox — an organization that appears to have lost its unity and sense of direction. Toronto would be wise to avoid making the same mistake.
