The Rafael Devers era is firmly over for the Boston Red Sox; however, that doesn't mean their search for a starting first baseman is. The Red Sox's first-base needs could have them looking to make a splash before next month's trade deadline, and one potentially perfect target is currently in the National League.
Red Sox Must Target Brewers 1B Rhys Hoskins as Rafael Devers Replacement
Milwaukee Brewers 1B Rhys Hoskins is one of the more complete players in the league, and could be available before the trade deadline. He's a consistent hitter who's tallied 20-plus home runs five times and has a career OPS+ of 121. While he's a bit inconsistent with the glove at first base, he's still got a .991 fielding percentage this season.
Some stats may not pass the test, but the eye test does for sure. Hoskins is a gritty, passionate, and hard-working player who, at one point, tore his ACL in 2024 and then signed a two-year deal worth $34M and with opt-outs. With $18 million on the books and a potential opt-out for Hoskins entering the 2026 season, the Brewers may want to get rid of him before July is over.
The Brewers are amidst a playoff push and may not want to sell off any players, but maybe it could be an addition by subtraction. A proposed trade recommended would be on the surface of the Red Sox offering either Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu in this deal, along with a prospect (preferably Mikey Romero) in a package for Hoskins and a reliever (preferably Abner Uribe), along with another prospect like Jeferson Quero.
Quero is in a logjam at catcher with William Contreras behind the dish already. This would help the Red Sox with their first base and their catching depth. Carlos Narvaez may be nice for this year, but he's not sustainable. He may regress next season, and with insurance like Quero waiting in the wings, he'll be the next man up to replace him.
Potentially trading for Hoskins is a risk the Red Sox should absolutely take. This is both half-in and half-out regarding a playoff push, which the Red Sox have been approaching their team like over the past few seasons. It sounds like a fair deal, and with Hoskins potentially opting out or opting in, it opens up more options for the Red Sox.
Would the Red Sox want to trade Triston Casas? Or should they stay put and let go of Hoskins and free up some money? It's pawns in a chess game for Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow, and that's something to keep an eye on as this next month rolls by.