Why Did the Red Sox Trade Rafael Devers? Inside Boston’s Stunning Decision to Move Their Franchise Star

By Oliver Wiener June 18, 2025 09:53

In one of the most shocking moves of the 2025 MLB season, the Boston Red Sox traded their franchise cornerstone, Rafael Devers, to the San Francisco Giants. The blockbuster deal, announced on June 15, sent shockwaves through baseball, as Devers had long been the face of the Red Sox following the departures of Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts. The trade sent Devers to the Giants in exchange for right-handed reliever Jordan Hicks, left-handed starter Kyle Harrison, and two top prospects: outfielder James Tibbs III and right-handed pitcher Jose Bello.

The Context Behind the Trade

Rafael Devers, 28, was coming off a strong start to the 2025 season, batting .272 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs in 73 games. He also recently hit his 215th career home run and recorded his 500th career extra-base hit, milestones that underscored his elite offensive production. Devers had signed a massive 10-year, $313.5 million contract starting last season, positioning him as the Red Sox’s long-term cornerstone.

Despite his on-field success, tensions between Devers and the Red Sox front office had been simmering for months. According to Red Sox president Sam Kennedy and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, the trade was driven by a fundamental lack of alignment between the player and the organization. Kennedy explained in a press conference, “Ultimately, it became evident that we couldn’t achieve alignment with Raffy. Over the preceding months, dating back to the offseason, we endeavored to find common ground. However, we envisioned a different future for him than he did, and we were unable to reconcile that.”

The friction reportedly centered on Devers’ refusal to change positions. After the Red Sox signed third baseman Alex Bregman during spring training, Devers was asked to move to designated hitter and later to fill in at first base following an injury to Triston Casas. Devers declined, suggesting the team should find another player to fill the role. This stance reportedly strained his relationship with management and contributed to the decision to move him.

What the Red Sox Got in Return

The Red Sox received a package that includes two major league-ready pitchers and two highly regarded prospects. Kyle Harrison, a left-handed starter, and Jordan Hicks, a reliever, bolster Boston’s pitching staff, which has been a key area of focus for the team. The prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello add promising depth to the farm system, with Tibbs ranked as the Giants’ No. 4 prospect at the time of the trade.

While the trade helps Boston address pitching needs and adds youth, analysts caution that the immediate offensive production lost with Devers’ departure will be difficult to replace. The Giants, meanwhile, gain a powerful bat to complement their strong pitching, aiming to challenge the Dodgers and Padres in the NL West.

Giants’ Bold Move and Financial Implications

The Giants agreed to assume the remainder of Devers’ contract, which amounts to approximately $260 million over the next eight years. This bold financial commitment signals their intent to contend now, with veteran catcher Buster Posey reportedly playing a key role in the team’s aggressive pursuit of talent.

Reaction and Future Outlook

The timing of the trade just days before a three-game series between the Red Sox and Giants added drama to an already intense rivalry. Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet expressed surprise but emphasized the team’s focus moving forward: “There’s a lot of season ahead of us. So, it’s really just keeping your eyes forward and knowing that there’s still work to be done.”

For Boston, the trade represents a clear pivot toward rebuilding and retooling around a new core, even if it means parting ways with a beloved star. For Devers, the move offers a fresh start with a contending team eager to leverage his offensive prowess.