Blockbuster Trade Shakes Up MLB Pennant Races
Introduction to the Trade
The Boston Red Sox traded slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday in a deal that could shake up pennant races on both coasts. San Francisco sent right-hander Jordan Hicks, lefty Kyle Harrison, outfield prospect James Tibbs III, and minor league righty Jose Bello to Boston for the 28-year-old designated hitter, who had bristled at his demotion from third base this year.
Impact on the Giants
The Giants are two games back of NL West-leading Los Angeles after losing 5-4 to the Dodgers on Sunday night. Harrison was on his way to the bullpen to warm up for Sunday’s start when he was called back to the clubhouse and informed of the trade. Reliever Sean Hjelle was told about 30 minutes before first pitch that he would start. “Yeah, it was a lot, and it was late, but you know what? This is something we really needed,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said.
Devers’ Fit with the Giants
“To get a guy like Devers … there’s a lot you have to give up for him, but this fits us perfectly. It’s a power left-handed bat, a guy that can go the other way and hit for power in our ballpark. I mean, it’s tailor-made for us, so kudos to the front office to swing this.” A three-time All-Star who signed a 10-year, $313.5 million contract with the Red Sox in 2023, Devers is batting .272 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs in 73 games, including a solo shot in Boston’s 2-0 victory over the New York Yankees on Sunday that completed a three-game sweep.
Background on Devers and the Red Sox
But his relationship with the team began to deteriorate when the team signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman during spring training and asked Devers to move to DH; he balked before agreeing to the switch. When first baseman Triston Casas sustained a season-ending knee injury, the Red Sox approached Devers about playing the field and he declined, saying the front office “should do their jobs” and look for another player. A day after Devers’ comments to the media about playing first, Red Sox owner John Henry, team president Sam Kennedy, and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow flew to Kansas City to meet with Devers and manager Alex Cora.
Reaction from the Giants
“Everybody around the league, I think, was paying attention to that. When any team is having some kind of drama like that, with a player like Devers — he basically was the face of the franchise," San Francisco shortstop Willy Adames said in an on-field interview during the ESPN broadcast. Buster Posey, a seven-time All-Star who took over as San Francisco’s president of baseball operations in September, said he reached out to Craig Breslow, Boston’s chief baseball officer, about two weeks ago. Trade talks picked up momentum over the past few days.
Expectations for Devers with the Giants
Posey and Melvin declined to address what position Devers would play in San Francisco — "That’s a conversation for myself, Bob and Zack (general manager Zack Minasian) to have with him," Posey said — but they are convinced Devers’ bat will have a significant impact on a lineup that has produced only 16 homers from the left side this season. “We’re excited about adding one of the best hitters in all of major league baseball to our lineup,” Posey said. “We’re obviously taking on a lot of dollars, but there’s a belief that adding a guy like this puts us in a good position keep winning ballgames, get into the playoffs and try to win a World Series, which is our ultimate goal.”
Historical Context
The Red Sox have won five out of six against the rival Yankees over the last two weekends to improve to 37-36, but they are still fourth in the AL East, 6 1/2 games behind division-leading New York. Devers was 20 when he made his major league debut with the Red Sox in 2017. He helped the Red Sox win the 2018 World Series and led the team in RBIs for five consecutive seasons from 2020-24. He has finished in the top 20 in voting for AL MVP five times.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Devers is a significant move for the Giants, who have lacked slugging since Barry Bonds hit 45 homers in 2004. Devers has hit at least 30 homers in three different seasons, and his addition could be the boost the Giants need to make a deep playoff run. As Giants pitcher Logan Webb said, “It’s tough losing (Harrison and Hicks) … but we’re getting a guy back who changes the lineup, who’s probably a top-10 hitter in baseball every year.” The trade is reminiscent of the 2004 midseason shakeup when Boston traded disgruntled shortstop — and fan favorite — Nomar Garciaparra, a move that ultimately helped the Red Sox win the World Series that year.
FAQs
- Q: Who did the Red Sox trade Rafael Devers to?
A: The Red Sox traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. - Q: What did the Giants give up in the trade?
A: The Giants sent right-hander Jordan Hicks, lefty Kyle Harrison, outfield prospect James Tibbs III, and minor league righty Jose Bello to Boston. - Q: Why was Devers traded?
A: Devers’ relationship with the Red Sox began to deteriorate after he was asked to move to DH and later declined to play the field, leading to trade talks. - Q: What is Devers’ contract with the Red Sox?
A: Devers signed a 10-year, $313.5 million contract with the Red Sox in 2023. - Q: What are the expectations for Devers with the Giants?
A: The Giants expect Devers’ bat to have a significant impact on their lineup, which has produced only 16 homers from the left side this season.