MLB fans received shocking news of the Boston Red Sox trading Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants.
FanSided’s Robert Murray first reported a blockbuster later confirmed by multiple sources on Sunday night. The Red Sox are reportedly sending their star slugger to San Francisco for Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks, James Tibbs and Jose Bello.
Fans are now processing the unexpected move, which occurred hours after Devers hit his 15th home run of the season to sweep the New York Yankees. The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham provided insight into the organization’s mindset before dealing Devers.
“The team’s feeling was that a $313.5M contract comes with responsibilities to do what is right for the team and that Devers did not live up to those responsibilities,” Abraham wrote. “They had enough and they traded him.”
Devers is in the second year of a 10-year extension. ESPN’s Jeff Passan said on “Sunday Night Baseball” that the Giants are absorbing “every penny” of his remaining contract.
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After spending eight years at third base, Devers moved to designated hitter when the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman. The 28-year-old, who initially expressed reluctance to the shift, maintained that new spot after Bregman and first baseman Triston Casas went on the injured list.
Last month, Devers said the Red Sox “can’t expect me to play every single position out there” when asked about moving to first base. Boston has platooned Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez at first while playing Marcelo Mayer and Toro at third.
Devers has recently taken ground balls during pre-game warmups, and Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy suggested earlier this week that the three-time All-Star could play defense when “the time is right and we need him.” However, manager Alex Cora downplayed the possibility of the three-time All-Star returning to the infield this season.
