Rafael Devers trade puts Reds in perfect spot to pull off next blockbuster deal

If the Boston Red Sox are intent on trading All-Stars before the July 31 deadline, the Cincinnati Reds should step up to the plate with an offer for Jarren Duran. If Duran is off limits, Boston has a plethora of other outfielders who'd fit rather nicely on Cincinnati's roster.

The Red Sox pulled off a shocker on Sunday with the announcement that Rafael Devers was traded to the San Francisco Giants for a package of Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison and two prospects. Though it's a bit premature for a team who's one game above .500 to begin selling off assets this early in the season, if Boston is open for business, Cincinnati should check the asking price for Duran and others.

The Reds have been hitting better of late, thanks in large part of a suddenly scorching-hot bat of Elly De La Cruz. But with Austin Hays and Noelvi Marte still on the injured list, and an outfield made up of mostly platoon bats, Nick Krall should give Red Sox chief baseball offer Craig Breslow a phone call.

Rafael Devers trade puts Reds in perfect spot to pull off next blockbuster deal

Duran would be the most likely Red Sox player to follow Devers out the door. Though there were some extenuating circumstances that led to the breakup between the Red Sox and Devers, one has to believe that Breslow and Co. would at least listen if the Reds or any other organization came calling for Duran.

Duran, however, isn't the only highly-regarded outfielder on the Red Sox roster. Though more unlikely, Gold Glove Award-winner Wilyer Abreu could be had if Cincinnati offered a prospect-heavy haul. If the Reds don't have the appetite for a blockbuster trade — which seems to be the case more times than not — perhaps swinging a deal for the right-handed hitting Rob Refsnyder just became more acceptable in the eyes of the Red Sox's front office.

The Reds cannot afford to sit on their hands at this year's trade deadline. The Reds fanbase is eagerly expecting a return to the postseason, and with De La Cruz leading the way and future Hall of Famer Terry Francona in the dugout, Cincinnati has the makings of a playoff contender. With the Red Sox now in sell-mode, it's time for the Reds to at least kick the tires on a potential blockbuster deal with Boston.