Rafael Devers Traded to Giants in Blockbuster MLB Deal

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Boston Red Sox traded All-Star infielder Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. Devers’ agent, Nelson Montes de Oca, confirmed the deal which took many by surprise. The Giants needed an offensive boost, and Devers, 28, is one of the league’s most feared hitters.

Boston will receive right-hander Jordan Hicks, left-hander Kyle Harrison, outfield prospect James Tibbs III, and minor-league right-hander Jose Bello in exchange. The Giants will cover Devers’ entire contract, which exceeds $250 million and runs through 2033.

Devers was batting .272 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs this season. He previously signed a 10-year, $313.5 million contract with Boston in January 2023. However, his relationship with the team soured after they signed Alex Bregman as a free agent.

Initially set to remain at third base, Devers had to transition to designated hitter, and tensions escalated when he declined to move to first base after teammate Triston Casas suffered a season-ending injury. The Red Sox’s management expressed frustration over Devers’ reluctance to adapt his role.

“This trade is something we really needed,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said. “Getting a guy like Devers fits us perfectly, especially in our ballpark.”

Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey highlighted Devers’ ability to enhance their lineup, aiming for a stronger push toward the playoffs. “We’re excited about adding one of the best hitters in all of Major League Baseball to our lineup,” Posey said.

Harrison, once a highly regarded pitching prospect, was considered the key piece in the trade for Boston. Meanwhile, Hicks is recovering from an injury but adds depth to the bullpen. Tibbs and Bello are younger prospects who may turn into significant contributors for the Red Sox in the future.

Devers has been a prominent figure in the MLB since signing with Boston as an international amateur free agent in 2013. He helped the Red Sox clinch the 2018 World Series Title and has consistently led the team in RBIs. The Red Sox are now looking towards their young talent to fill the void left by Devers as they aim to improve their standing in the AL East.