The Atlanta Braves may not have landed Rafael Devers, but their interest in the former Red Sox All-Star sends a message: they’re not sitting this trade deadline out.
According to MassLive’s Sean McAdam, the Braves were one of four teams to inquire about Devers before the San Francisco Giants swooped in Sunday night with a blockbuster deal that sent Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison, top prospect James Tibbs, and right-hander Jose Bello to Boston. It’s a bold, aggressive move by San Francisco — and one Atlanta was at least circling.
Braves Were in the Room
Let’s be clear: Devers is no marginal upgrade. He’s a three-time All-Star, 2018 World Series champion, and one of the best left-handed bats in baseball. Even as Atlanta never emerged as a true frontrunner in the sweepstakes, the fact they inquired at all says a lot.
This isn’t a front office waiting for .500 to come to them. It’s a front office actively exploring major upgrades — even complicated ones.
But Where Would Devers Have Fit?
That’s the fascinating part. On paper, Devers isn’t a clean fit in Atlanta. He’s a third baseman, and the Braves already have Austin Riley entrenched there. He’s not moving to first base — Matt Olson’s got that covered. DH? That belongs to Marcell Ozuna.
Theoretically, the Braves could have explored using Devers at shortstop (he’s played there sparingly) or even left field, especially if they were willing to sacrifice defense to jolt the offense — a move not unprecedented. In 2023, they let Jorge Soler play right field despite his defensive limitations. So putting Devers in left or rotating DH with Ozuna isn’t outlandish, just unconventional.
And let’s be honest: this team’s offense has sputtered all year, and Nick Allen’s bat at shortstop remains a black hole. Devers would’ve instantly been the Braves’ most impactful left-handed bat outside of Olson — and that’s a gamble you at least consider, even if it creates a defensive logjam.
Why It Didn’t Happen
There are a few obvious roadblocks that likely derailed any real momentum:
- Prospect capital: San Francisco gave up a serious haul, including their No. 4 prospect and multiple MLB arms. The Braves may not have had — or been willing to part with — an equivalent package.
- Contract concerns: Devers is locked into a 10-year, $313 million deal that would’ve made him the highest-paid player in franchise history. That’s a commitment Atlanta simply hasn’t shown a willingness to make in the past, and while Devers is a star, the Braves infield and payroll structure probably couldn’t absorb that level of financial weight.
- Roster redundancy: The Braves value positional clarity. Unless they were planning something drastic — like flipping Ozuna or moving Riley off third — the fit just wasn’t quite there.
Still, the Intent Is Loud and Clear
Even though Devers ended up in San Francisco, the Braves’ involvement proves they’re not just looking for minor tweaks. They’re kicking the tires on impact bats — even long-term ones — and seem willing to get creative if the upside is big enough.
This lines up with earlier reports that the Braves are buyers, not sellers. They’ve already been linked to bullpen arms, shortstop upgrades, and now, a blockbuster bat.
Deadline Splash Still Possible For Braves
With Devers off the board, expect Atlanta to double down on more logical fits — particularly:
- A power bat for left field
- A shortstop with offensive upside
- A high-leverage reliever
The Braves may not have had the package to land Devers, but there are other names that do fit — and that won’t require breaking the bank or blowing up the roster to accommodate.
What’s clear is this: Alex Anthopoulos is in go-mode, not sell-mode. And while the Devers deal didn’t work out, the door is wide open for the Braves to make a statement move before the trade deadline. The only question now is who — not if.
