NEW YORK — A growing whisper surrounding Rafael Devers and the New York Yankees may have been silenced — at least for now.
The San Francisco Giants slugger, recently the subject of speculative trade talk linking him to the Yankees‘ third-base vacancy, is battling a lower back disk injury that has cast doubt over any potential midseason move. With the July 30 trade deadline approaching, what once appeared to be a bold, outside-the-box possibility for New York is now far less likely.
According to multiple reports, including confirmation from Giants manager Bob Melvin, Devers underwent an MRI Thursday that revealed inflammation around a spinal disk. The issue has limited his ability to play in the field, keeping him in the designated hitter role since being acquired from the Boston Red Sox in mid-June.
“He went on some medication, feels a little bit better today,” Melvin told reporters Thursday. “I’m glad we got the MRI done so we know what’s going on.”
The injury appears to be impacting Devers most while running the bases, with Melvin noting, “He feels it mostly running, probably a little bit at the plate, but not as much as when he’s running.”
Devers, 28, has hit .214 with two home runs and 10 RBIs over 24 games with the Giants. Prior to the trade, he was batting .272 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs through 73 games for Boston.
Bronx eyes on the hot corner
The Yankees have been actively surveying the market for a third baseman, with Oswaldo Peraza currently holding down the position following the release of DJ LeMahieu earlier this month. With internal depth limited and top prospect Oswald Peraza still developing in Triple-A Scranton, general manager Brian Cashman has left little doubt about his intent to improve the roster.
“We have people that are capable, but I think it also needs to get some help,” Cashman told reporters last week. “Whether it’s bullpen guys or starting pitchers, it’s just all of it.”
New York’s offense has stagnated in recent weeks, and third base remains an area of concern. Though Devers has never suited up for the Yankees, his name began circulating in league circles as a speculative — albeit highly unlikely — trade target. The idea gained some traction in New York media, especially with the Yankees’ historic thirst for power at the corners.
But the financials are heavy. Devers is owed over $250 million through 2033, and with his defensive availability now in question, any deal involving the former Red Sox star has become even more complicated.
Injury compounds reluctance for Devers trade
Devers hasn’t played defensively since his arrival in San Francisco. He was expected to take reps at first base, but those plans were shelved. A reported workout session with Giants icon Will Clark — designed to help transition him to first — never happened.
“He isn’t ready to play the field, including first base,” Melvin said. “It’s the reason he’s not out in the field right now.”
The Giants have been rotating Wilmer Flores and Dominic Smith at first base while Devers remains locked into the DH role. Though the team expects the upcoming All-Star break to provide Devers a chance to recover without an IL stint, there’s no clear timeline for his return to defensive duties.
That’s a dealbreaker for New York, which already carries Giancarlo Stanton in the DH spot and has no space to accommodate another bat-only player. Cashman and his team are now likely to pivot toward more realistic trade options.
Alternatives emerging
With Devers off the board, the Yankees are reportedly exploring several alternatives. Pirates’ Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who previously played in New York, and Colorado’s Ryan McMahon are among the players being monitored. Both are more affordable and can handle third base daily — a requirement the Yankees can’t compromise on.
Other possibilities include Diamondbacks’ Eugenio Suarez, Ke’Bryan Hayes of the Pirates, and Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado, all would come at a lower cost and bring defensive versatility.
As for Devers, the Giants remain hopeful the back issue will subside. But with the long-term contract and ongoing health concerns, his trade value has taken a clear hit.
“Devers is still owed a hefty sum and still appears unwilling to return to the field defensively, making any deal difficult to justify,” MLB insider Jon Heyman wrote in a column earlier this week.
The Yankees — known for their aggressive approach near the deadline — will continue to probe the market. But the once-distant possibility of Devers in pinstripes now seems firmly out of play.
Yankees in deadline mode
New York entered the weekend 4.5 games behind the Orioles in the AL East and remains in a heated race for the top Wild Card spot. With Aaron Judge and Juan Soto anchoring the offense, the team has remained competitive, but injuries and inconsistency at key positions have exposed the need for upgrades.
The front office has until July 30 to make its move. Third base is near the top of the list. Just don’t expect Rafael Devers to be part of the solution for now.
What do you think?
