The Philadelphia Phillies have a problem. Their offense is sputtering, their lineup is full of cold bats, and the National League East isn’t getting any easier. So far, the team has reportedly cooled on both Tarik Skubal and Seiya Suzuki. But according to a post from ESPN’s Buster Olney, the San Francisco Giants are dangling a name that might just fit.
Olney reported that the Giants are open to offers for their three highest-paid position players: Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Matt Chapman. Other trade candidates include Luis Arráez and Robbie Ray. That puts Devers squarely in play — and the Phillies should be listening.
Is Devers Really Worth the Risk?
Let’s be honest — this hasn’t been Devers’ year. His .293 on-base percentage would be the worst of his 10-year MLB career. That’s not what you want from a guy making big money. But here’s the flip side: over the past five seasons, Devers has posted an OBP of .347 or better every single year. He’s one season removed from a career-high .372 mark. He’s also a legitimate 30-homer threat, having hit that milestone four times and finishing last season with 35 homers and 109 RBIs.
The numbers suggest 2025 might just be an extended slump — not the beginning of the end. If the Phillies are betting on a bounce-back, Devers is an intriguing target.
Philadelphia’s Offense Needs a Jump-Start
The Phillies currently rank 27th in MLB with a .229 team batting average and 28th in on-base percentage at .297. That’s brutal. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber are still producing, and Brandon Marsh is having a career year. But Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, and Bryson Stott have all struggled to reach base consistently. The lineup needs a spark, and Devers could provide one — assuming he rediscovers his form.
What Would a Fair Trade Look Like?
Devers is pushing 30 and under contract through 2033, which means the Phillies have to be careful not to overpay. But the Giants won’t just give him away. According to MLB.com, any deal would likely start with a top pitching prospect. Right-hander Wen-Hui Pan, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery in late 2024, could be that guy. Before the injury, his fastball sat in the 96–97 mph range and touched 99, paired with a plus splitter that generated plenty of whiffs. He’s about a year away from the majors, and the Phillies are excited to see how quickly his stuff returns.
The Giants would also want a bat to replace Devers. Outfielder Griffin Burkholder, 20, has plus raw power and elite exit velocities when healthy. He made swing adjustments last year but still struggled with contact against breaking balls. The Phillies also have versatile Devin Saltiban, a 5-foot-9 right-handed hitter with plus speed and 46 career steals in 54 attempts. He’s played both second base and center field, giving San Francisco some flexibility.
The Bottom Line
The Phillies need to fix their offense, and Devers is the kind of high-upside gamble that could pay off big. If they can move a package built around Pan, Burkholder, and Saltiban, they might just get a player who can reignite a lineup that’s gone cold. The Giants are listening. The question is whether Philadelphia is ready to pull the trigger.
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