Fresh off of sweeping the New York Yankees at home, the Boston Red Sox made headlines when they traded away third baseman Rafael Devers — arguably one of their best players over the last decade — to the San Francisco Giants in exchange of pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison, as well as two prospects. And, to say the least, people are shocked.
Granted, Devers being traded away isn’t all that crazy. Despite being one of the team’s most potent bats for 8 years, Devers had recently had a strained relationship with the Red Sox organization following the team’s acquisition of star third baseman Alex Bregman over the winter, which forced him into a designated hitter role — a role Devers was none too pleased about, despite statistically being a defensive liability at the hot corner. After Triston Casas had a season-ending injury, Devers was offered a spot at first base, a spot which Devers refused and only served to frustrate him more. Needless to say, the two parties haven’t been what one would call “harmonious” this season.
