The Boston Red Sox traded star hitter Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday in a move that could have major implications for the playoff races on both coasts.
In exchange for Devers, San Francisco sent right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks, left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison, outfield prospect James Tibbs III, and minor league right-hander Jose Bello to Boston. Devers, 28, had been unhappy after being moved from third base this season.
The Giants, currently two games behind the NL West-leading Dodgers following a 5-4 loss to Los Angeles, see Devers as a key addition. Giants manager Bob Melvin acknowledged that although giving up several players was tough, Devers’ power-hitting fits perfectly with their lineup.
Devers, a three-time All-Star who signed a massive 10-year, $313.5 million contract with Boston last year, was hitting .272 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs in 73 games. He recently hit a solo home run in Boston’s 2-0 win over the Yankees that completed a three-game sweep.
However, tensions grew when Boston signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman before the season and asked Devers to move to designated hitter, a move he initially resisted. When first baseman Triston Casas suffered a season-ending injury, the Red Sox asked Devers to play first base, but he declined and criticized the front office for not finding another player.
Following these issues, Red Sox leadership flew to meet with Devers and manager Alex Cora to try and resolve the situation. The drama intensified when Bregman was sidelined by a significant quadriceps injury in late May.
San Francisco shortstop Willy Adames noted the league was watching the situation closely, especially since Devers was the face of the Red Sox franchise. Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey began talks with Boston’s chief baseball officer Craig Breslow about two weeks ago, which quickly gained momentum.
Posey and Melvin did not specify what position Devers would play with the Giants but emphasized the impact his bat would have, especially since their left-handed hitters have combined for only 16 home runs this season.
“We’re thrilled to add one of baseball’s best hitters,” Posey said. “Though it’s a big financial commitment, we believe he’ll help us win games, make the playoffs, and ultimately compete for a World Series title.”
The Red Sox have improved recently, winning five of six games against their rivals the Yankees, but still remain fourth in the AL East, 6.5 games behind New York.
Devers, who debuted at age 20 in 2017, was instrumental in Boston’s 2018 World Series championship and led the team in RBIs for five straight seasons. He has consistently been among the league’s top MVP candidates.
The Giants have struggled with power hitting since Barry Bonds’ 45 homers in 2004, and Devers, who has hit 30 or more homers in three seasons, is expected to address that gap.
Giants pitcher Logan Webb acknowledged the loss of Harrison and Hicks but highlighted the value Devers brings, calling him a top-10 hitter who can change their lineup.
Devers is not the first star Red Sox player to be traded away; the club dealt Mookie Betts to the Dodgers before the 2020 season, shortly after Betts won the AL MVP and helped Boston to a record 108 wins and a World Series title.
This trade echoes Boston’s 2004 midseason move when they traded popular shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, a shakeup that preceded their first World Series win in 86 years.
The Devers acquisition adds to Posey’s aggressive offseason moves, which included signing Justin Verlander to a one-year deal and locking up Adames with a seven-year contract.
Harrison, 23, has a 9-9 record with a 4.48 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 39 games over three seasons. Hicks, 28, went 5-12 with a 4.83 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 42 games over two seasons. Tibbs, 22, a recent first-round pick, is hitting .246 with 12 homers in Single-A. Bello, 20, has a 2.00 ERA in eight rookie league appearances.
