The Boston Red Sox have traded All-Star infielder Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in a blockbuster trade. The Red Sox will receive right-hander Jordan Hicks, left-hander Kyle Harrison, prospect James Tibbs, and right-hander Jose Bello in exchange for Devers. The deal marks the end of a fractured relationship between Devers and the Red Sox, which had been deteriorating since spring training earlier this year. Following the signing of free agent Alex Bregman, Boston asked Devers to move off third base, which he declined, before eventually becoming the team’s designated hitter. However, after Triston Casas suffered a season-ending injury Devers was asked to move to first base; however, the 28-year-old declined, telling the front office to “do their jobs” and find a replacement. According to ESPN, the refusal to play first base led to internal tension between the team and player, hence facilitating a trade with the Giants. Devers, who is in the second year of a ten-year, $313.5 million deal he signed with the Red Sox in 2023, is clocking .272/.401/.504 splits while registering 15 home runs in 73 games in 2025. The three-time All-Star leaves Boston after spending the best part of nine seasons with the franchise, registering 214 home runs and notching an OPS+ of 128 and a WAR of 24.8 in that time. Devers, a World Series champion in 2018, also won the Silver Slugger Award in 2021, which secured him a spot on the All-MLB Second Team.
The week began with Boston calling up top prospect Roman Anthony. It ended with the Red Sox trading slugger Rafael Devers. In between, they swept the rival Yankees.
