The Boston Red Sox face a pressing need to fill the first base position after trading away Rafael Devers last week. The team has encountered setbacks due to injuries, including a season-ending injury to first baseman Triston Casas in May, while trying to maintain a competitive infield this season.
Despite initially considering Devers to cover first base duties, the former third baseman declined the role before his trade to the San Francisco Giants, leaving the Red Sox searching for alternatives. With Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez temporarily filling the spot, Boston plans to explore trade options by the July deadline to find a more permanent solution.
Potential Trade Targets: Josh Naylor and Ryan O’Hearn
MLB insider Jon Heyman highlighted two key players who could address Boston’s first base gap. One is Josh Naylor of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who, despite Arizona not being typical sellers, could draw significant attention if made available. The second is Ryan O’Hearn of the Baltimore Orioles, now a leading candidate for the American League designated hitter role this season. Although the Orioles have not publicly committed to selling, a move involving O’Hearn could be advantageous for Boston.
“The other thing they’re going to look at is first base. Now, Toro has actually done very well so far at first base, but he hasn’t been considered a starting first baseman. I’ll throw a couple of names there, potentially for the Red Sox. One would be Josh Naylor. Again, the Diamondbacks are not expected to be a seller, but if he is, there would be a frenzy for him.”
—Jon Heyman, MLB Insider
“The other one is Ryan O’Hearn, who’s now leading as the DH vote getter in the American League. Now that Devers has been traded, there’s going to be a big play for him if you think the bat market is really going to be weak, so if the Orioles sell, and they haven’t said they’re going to be a seller, yet they’re still thinking about it. They will do very well for Ryan.”
—Jon Heyman, MLB Insider
Expert Analysis Urges Red Sox to Pursue Josh Naylor
Josh Naylor’s strong offensive performance makes him an appealing option for the Red Sox. This season with the Diamondbacks, Naylor has maintained a batting average above .300, along with notable power numbers. MLB analyst Connor Ryan emphasized Naylor’s consistent production and value as a hitter, despite some defensive limitations at first base.
“Naylor has established himself as one of the more underrated hitters in baseball over the last few seasons,” Ryan wrote. “In 2023, he batted .308 with 17 home runs and 97 RBI with the Cleveland Guardians, following that up with 31 home runs and 108 RBI in 2024 with Cleveland.”
—Connor Ryan, MLB Analyst
So far in 2025 with Arizona, Naylor is batting .300 and is on pace for 19 home runs and 104 RBI. Even if his defense at first isn’t strong, the 28-year-old Naylor would be a strong addition to the lineup, especially at an area of weakness on the roster.”
—Connor Ryan, MLB Analyst
Given the uncertainty surrounding the trade deadline and free agency, Boston’s management faces a critical decision on whether to pursue a midseason acquisition or wait to target high-profile free agents during the offseason to address their first base vacancy.
Red Sox Prepare for Strategic Decisions Ahead of Trade Deadline
The Rafael Devers trade impact has created an urgent need for the Red Sox to address first base, an area recently weakened by injuries and roster changes. The outlook for July’s trade deadline offers the team a chance to add offensive strength through players like Naylor or O’Hearn, both of whom bring proven batting prowess. Boston’s next moves will likely influence the team’s competitiveness for the remainder of the season and beyond.