The Boston Red Sox’s 2025 campaign was hectic to say the least. Despite trading away their best hitter, Rafael Devers, midway through the season, the Sox still managed to find their way to the playoffs. Looking back at that trade months later, the legendary David Ortiz has mixed feelings on Boston’s decision to cut bait with Devers.
While Ortiz and Devers never played together in the majors, the former served as a mentor to the latter during his rise through the Red Sox’s farm system. For much of his career, it seemed like Devers was set to become the heir apparent to Ortiz as the team’s superstar designated hitter.
Devers wasn’t happy when he was moved to designated hitter before the start of the 2025 season, though, and with tensions boiling, the front office eventually decided to send him to the San Francisco Giants. Ortiz admitted that you never want to lose a hitter with Devers, but he agreed with the team deciding to do what it felt like was best for the organization
“You don’t want to let go of a batter like him,” Ortiz told Joey Copponi and Scott Neville on the “ITM Podcast” on Friday. “My thing with the situation is that I would expect a guy like Raffy to be one of the faces of this organization … Raffy is a good kid. Don’t get that caught up in the confusion. And that’s what bothers me most … We’re dealing with a good kid.
Unfortunately, things didn’t work for the organization … Sometimes you have to make those moves. I don’t argue that with the owners … They are the ones who ask you how much you want on your contract. They agreed (to Devers’ contract). But remember, you are an employee. You’re not a boss. There are not two bosses. There’s just one. John Henry.”
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At least for one season, the decision to move on from Devers benefited Boston, as it made the playoffs, while San Francisco did not. Devers also wasn’t particularly productive for his new squad, as he hit just .236 with 20 home runs and 51 RBIs in 90 games for the Giants.
Ortiz hit the nail on the head when discussing the ramifications of this trade. While it stung in the moment, it’s tough to look back at it now and not feel good about where the Red Sox are. If they can put together a strong offseason, they could be in a prime position to take a major step forward in 2026.
As part of his fundraising efforts, Ortiz is holding a silent auction loaded with priceless items that will be live until Saturday, Nov. 15 at 9:30 p.m. ET. You can also donate to the cause on the David Ortiz Children’s Fund’s website.
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