After trading away superstar designated hitter Rafael Devers, the Boston Red Sox face pressing questions about their roster strategy amid an ongoing playoff push. Sitting above .500 and positioned near a Wild Card spot, the Red Sox are under pressure to avoid a rebuilding mode, instead looking to leverage the funds freed by the Devers trade to strengthen their postseason chances.
One prominent MLB executive suggests the team should use the financial flexibility gained to pursue Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins. This move could add critical power to Boston’s lineup and reshape the conversation surrounding the trade’s impact.
MLB Perspective: Prioritizing Immediate Talent Acquisition
In an interview reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, a National League executive emphasized the value of reinvesting the money saved from Devers’ contract.
“What the general public never factors in their knee-jerk trade reactions in what the teams trading away the large contract can now go do with those dollars,”
the executive explained. He added,
“Boston should go and trade for someone like [Brewers first baseman] Rhys Hoskins right now. Then the deal takes on a whole new dimension.”
This perspective highlights a broader understanding within the league that trading a high-profile player like Devers need not signal a step back. Instead, channeling resources into acquiring a hitter with Hoskins’ power could bolster Boston’s playoff aspirations and mitigate fan disappointment.
Evaluating Rhys Hoskins’ Fit with the Red Sox
Rhys Hoskins, currently under contract for $18 million in 2025, holds a mutual option for a similar salary in 2026. The Red Sox could consider offering him an extension, or alternatively, use him as a one-year solution while transitioning away from Triston Casas permanently. His track record as a slugging hitter fits Boston’s need for offensive firepower.
In 2025, Hoskins delivered 56 hits, 23 runs, nine doubles, 10 home runs, 37 RBIs, and 30 walks in 229 at-bats, demonstrating significant production before striking out 73 times. His presence in the lineup could help fill the void left by Devers’ departure and inject much-needed power into the Red Sox roster.
With the Brewers potentially struggling as the trade deadline nears, Hoskins may become available, making a timely acquisition both realistic and impactful.
Potential Impact on Red Sox Playoff Prospects
The addition of Hoskins would not only add offensive depth but also serve as a statement move by Boston’s front office. It could change the narrative around the Devers trade, suggesting the team is actively building around current assets rather than dismantling its core. Given the many questions surrounding the Red Sox roster since Devers’ exit, acquiring a strong, proven hitter could stabilize the lineup.
With Craig Breslow and the front office weighing options, using the freed-up payroll to target Hoskins could provide the Red Sox an edge in their pursuit of postseason success.