In a stunning move that has shaken up Major League Baseball, the Boston Red Sox have traded their star third baseman, Rafael Devers, to the San Francisco Giants.
The trade, which was first reported by MLB insider Robert Murray, has sent shockwaves through the baseball world.
The Trade Details
In exchange for Devers, the Red Sox will receive Giants pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison, outfield prospect James Tibbs III (ranked as the team’s fourth-best prospect per MLB Pipeline), and pitching prospect Jose Bello.
Devers, who had just helped the Red Sox beat their AL East rival New York Yankees on Sunday afternoon with a home run over the “Green Monster” in a 2-0 win, is now headed to San Francisco, marking the end of his time in Boston.
Despite the shocking nature of the trade, Boston will not be sending any money to cover the remaining $250 million on Devers’ 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension, which he signed in January 2023 to be the cornerstone of the Red Sox’s future.
A Stunning Move for the Red Sox
The trade of Devers is a huge surprise, akin to the trade of Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers a few years ago. Boston fans know the sting of losing a franchise player, but Devers’ departure, after years of being one of the faces of the team, leaves a massive void.
Devers, who joined the Red Sox in 2013 as a 16-year-old international free agent from the Dominican Republic, has been a key contributor to the team for years.
The decision to trade him comes amidst growing tensions between Devers and the front office, especially after the signing of Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman.
The situation became even more complicated when Triston Casas, the Red Sox’s starting first baseman, went down with a season-ending injury.
Devers’ Season and Future with the Giants
Despite the ongoing tension, Devers has had an impressive season as the Red Sox’s full-time designated hitter. He is currently hitting .272/.401/.905 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs over 73 games.
Additionally, he has shown significant improvement in his patience at the plate, leading all of MLB with 58 walks.
Now with the Giants, Devers’ role remains uncertain, as Matt Chapman, another Gold Glove third baseman, currently holds down the hot corner. It will be interesting to see how the Giants incorporate Devers into their lineup, as they look to strengthen their roster for a playoff push.
Red Sox’s Return in the Trade
In return, the Red Sox receive Jordan Hicks, who has had a rough start to the 2025 season, posting a 6.47 ERA over 13 games (nine starts) but showing flashes of potential with 43 strikeouts and 20 walks. The 28-year-old has previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Additionally, Kyle Harrison is a promising left-handed pitcher who has posted a 4.56 ERA this season, matching his 2024 performance. In 23.2 innings across eight appearances, Harrison has struck out 25 batters and walked just 9.
A Bold Move for Both Teams
The trade of Rafael Devers is a bold move for both teams. For the Giants, it represents a major upgrade to their roster with the addition of one of the league’s premier hitters, while the Red Sox are clearly shifting their focus with a new direction and a mix of promising prospects and established players.
The true impact of this deal will unfold in the coming seasons, but for now, it’s one of the biggest moves of the MLB offseason.
