The Boston Red Sox stunned MLB by surprising analysts and fans alike with the mid‑June trade of star slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. At 28, Devers had been under a massive 10‑year, $313.5 million contract since January 2023—only two years in. The deal sent Jordan Hicks, top pitching prospect Kyle Harrison, and two Class A farmhands to Boston in return .
This was more than a mere roster shift. Insider reports detail growing tension in Boston’s front office: internal miscommunications, friction over Devers’ positional future, and broader discord among key executives including Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow . Prior to the trade, the Sox had signed elite third baseman Alex Bregman, pushing Devers into a designated‑hitter role—a move Devers initially resisted, refusing assignments to first base and third base reshuffling . His resistance reportedly fractured trust, sometimes leading sources to say Devers “considered requesting a trade” .
Despite this turbulence, Boston’s front office maintained the move wasn’t capitulation. Breslow has made public statements emphasizing the trade “isn’t a signal of surrender” on the 2025 campaign . Executives argue that the additions of Bregman, Buehler, and promising prospects like Roman Anthony provide flexibility and depth—while clearing payroll and reducing roster tension.
However, fans haven’t warmed to the logic. Many decry the Red Sox’ historic pattern of trading homegrown stars—recall Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts—and express concern about organizational culture . The dramatic backlash even extended to homes of team execs: fans harassed and doxxed Breslow online, prompting police involvement . This has intensified scrutiny over whether the trade stems from internal dysfunction rather than strategic baseball decisions .
On the flip side, Giants manager Bob Melvin hailed the acquisition, planning to use Devers both at first base and as DH—duties Devers now seems open to embrace . His debut was strong (2‑for‑5 with an RBI double), and Cleveland catcher Steven Vogt praised him as a “top‑10 hitter”.
