Red Sox Deal Rafael Devers to Giants in Stunning Trade
Rafael Devers trade to Giants: In a shocking Sunday night move, the Red Sox sent All-Star Rafael Devers to the Giants, ending a tense chapter with Boston execs.
The blockbuster deal sent Devers west in exchange for a promising haul: lefty Kyle Harrison, reliever Jordan Hicks, outfield prospect James Tibbs III, and Rookie League right-hander Jose Bello, known among scouts for his dominant early stats in Jose Bello baseball discussions.
Tension with Front Office Played a Role
Sources close to the team say the rift began in spring training, when Devers resisted shifting from third base following the signing of Alex Bregman. The club had positioned Bregman as their starting third baseman, forcing Devers into a designated hitter role he never embraced.
Things only worsened when Triston Casas went down with an injury in May. Asked to play first base, Devers reportedly told management they should “do their jobs” and find a replacement. This reportedly infuriated Breslow, prompting him, John Henry, and Sam Kennedy to fly to Kansas City for a closed-door meeting with Devers.
Despite attempts to patch things up, tensions lingered. With Craig Breslow under pressure to rebuild around youth, the front office decided to move on.
What the Giants Get: A Top-10 Bat in Baseball
Devers, 28, brings instant power to a Giants offense ranked 15th in runs scored in the current MLB standings. His 2025 Devers stats include a .272 average, .401 OBP, .504 SLG, 15 home runs, and 58 RBIs—among the best in the league.
Giants manager Bob Melvin praised the move:
“It’s a power left-handed bat… tailor-made for our ballpark.”
Whether Devers remains a DH or shifts to first base is undecided, especially since Matt Chapman holds down third with a $151 million deal.
Willy Adames, the Giants’ shortstop, reacted live during an ESPN broadcast:
“He was the face of Boston. Now he’s here, and that’s wild.”
What Boston Gets in Return
Kyle Harrison, 23, headlines the return package. Once ranked among baseball’s top pitching prospects, his big-league numbers (4.48 ERA in 182.2 IP) haven’t matched expectations, but his upside remains high.
Jordan Hicks, currently sidelined with toe inflammation, adds bullpen depth. His 6.47 ERA in 48.2 innings hasn’t impressed, but his velocity and flexibility intrigue Boston’s analysts.
Prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello add long-term value. Tibbs, known for his disciplined plate approach, has 12 home runs and a .377 OBP in High-A ball. Bello, a standout in the Jose Bello Giants system, has struck out 28 in 18 Rookie League innings with a 2.00 ERA.
Boston’s Youth Movement Continues
This trade echoes Boston’s 2020 move to send Mookie Betts to the Dodgers. Once again, the Red Sox part with a star in hopes of building a young, controllable core. With rookies like Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell, and Roman Anthony already making an impact, Breslow Red Sox leadership is betting on homegrown talent.
Boston fans may be divided, but team executives believe they’re laying a foundation for sustained success.
Source: ESPN