The Boston Red Sox made a surprising move by trading star player Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. This trade, announced on Sunday night, has left fans and players alike in shock. The Red Sox front office described the decision as a “baseball trade” aimed at benefiting the team, but it highlighted a growing rift between Devers and the organization.
The tension between Devers and the Red Sox had been building throughout the season. It started in spring training when he initially resisted moving from third base to designated hitter. Although he eventually agreed to the position change, issues resurfaced when Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow approached him about playing first base. Breslow and Red Sox president Sam Kennedy noted that the two sides reached an “inflection point” where they could not find common ground on Devers’ role with the team.
Kennedy explained that the organization had a different vision for Devers moving forward, which he did not share. After months of discussions, the Red Sox decided to trade him, believing it was necessary for the team’s future. The deal came shortly after the Red Sox swept the Yankees, sending Devers to the Giants in exchange for pitcher Jordan Hicks, left-handed prospect Kyle Harrison, and two additional prospects. The Giants will take on the remaining years of Devers’ 10-year, $313 million contract, which he signed in 2023.
This season, Devers has been performing well, boasting a batting average of .272 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs. Despite the trade’s impact on the lineup, Breslow insisted that this move was not a sign of giving up on the 2025 season. He expressed confidence that the team could still achieve success on the field, suggesting that they might end the season with more wins than if they had kept Devers.
The trade caught many players by surprise. Trevor Story admitted he was “just as shocked” as everyone else when he heard the news. Jarren Duran shared that he saw Devers get off the team flight but didn’t realize what was happening until later.
As the Red Sox prepared to play their first game without Devers in Seattle, the atmosphere in the clubhouse was one of disbelief. The team now faces the challenge of moving forward without one of its key players, while fans grapple with the implications of this significant change.