David Ortiz, the longtime Boston Red Sox star, openly criticized the recent trade that sent Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, expressing his preference for playing in Boston rather than enduring cold conditions in San Francisco. This comment comes after Boston traded Devers, a key figure for the team, on Sunday in a surprising deal that shook the baseball community.
Ortiz Reacts Strongly to Rafael Devers’ Trade to San Francisco
Rafael Devers, once the face of the Red Sox and a three-time All-Star, was traded to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for pitching prospects Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks, and outfield and pitching prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello. Ortiz, now a special assistant with Boston, shared his candid thoughts with Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, suggesting that both parties were responsible for the breakdown that led to the trade.
Ortiz specifically pointed to Devers’ resistance to moving from his natural third base position to first base or designated hitter after the arrival of Alex Bregman. He remarked,
“I prefer to play in Boston than freezing-(expletive) San Francisco for the next 10 years,”
signaling his displeasure with the change and climate. He further added about Devers’ refusal to adapt,
I think it would be easier, if they pay you that kind of money, to go, ‘[Expletive] it, let’s do it,’
referring to Devers’ 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension agreed upon earlier this year.
Ortiz Highlights Ego and Maturity in Player Decisions
Speaking on the challenges young players face, Ortiz reflected on the role that ego and maturity play in professional sports. He said,
“But players’ egos play a big role sometimes,”
and added,
“And guess what? At the end of the day … you know you did wrong. Once you mature, you understand.”
He warned younger players about thinking they are bigger than the game itself, while acknowledging Devers’ positive traits:
“I’m not saying that Devers was like that. He’s humble. He’s a good kid. But sometimes when you’re young and immature, you (don’t realize that).”
Devers’ New Role and Performance with the Giants
At 28, Devers enters the Giants lineup with notable stats, batting .272 with 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, and an AL-leading 56 walks, coupled with a .905 OPS. His exact position on the Giants remains uncertain given that All-Star Matt Chapman occupies third base. Devers may take on the designated hitter role or move to first base, marking a new chapter in his career.
As of this article, Rafael Devers has not publicly responded to Ortiz’s remarks about the trade or his adaptation issues in San Francisco.
The Broader Impact of the Devers Trade on Baseball
This unexpected trade and Ortiz’s reaction highlight ongoing tensions around player roles, contract expectations, and team dynamics in MLB. Ortiz’s pointed comments may influence how young players and teams handle transitions and negotiations moving forward. For Boston, the trade signals a shift toward rebuilding with young pitching talent, while the Giants are betting on Devers’ offensive ability despite positional challenges.