On Monday morning, ESPN NFL analyst Damien Woody expressed sharp dissatisfaction with the Boston Red Sox’s choice to trade Rafael Devers, drawing an immediate comparison to the controversial Mookie Betts trade. Despite not being a baseball insider, Woody was compelled to comment on what he sees as a major misstep by the Red Sox, especially given the timing after their recent sweep of the New York Yankees.
Woody’s Unexpected Passion for Red Sox Amidst Expert Panel
The “Get Up” panel that morning included Mike Greenberg, Bart Scott, Dan Graziano, and Damien Woody—none of whom were initially expected to dive deeply into the Red Sox-Giants trade. Yet Woody insisted on receiving time to share his viewpoint, pointing out that the Red Sox, a traditionally big-market franchise, appeared to be behaving more like a small-market club by trading a disgruntled star player.
Mike Greenberg opened the discussion by revealing,
“I got a text from D-Wood last night saying, ‘Greeny, damn it, I need to weigh in on the Devers trade,’”
setting the stage for Woody’s passionate remarks.
Comparison to Mookie Betts Trade Sparks Woody’s Frustration
Damien Woody voiced clear disbelief and frustration, recalling his personal celebrations of the team’s success just before the trade was announced. He said,
“Bro, like literally… We just swept the Yankees right? I am talking crazy smack to my 13-year-old son because he is a huge Yankees fan. I am giving him the business, all this. We win five straight, five, we swept the Yankees.”
He then expressed outrage at the timing and nature of the deal.
Woody continued,
“My man Devers gets dealt like that? Boston is acting like the Tampa Bay Rays. Like we’re a small market team. How could you do that?”
He described the trade as reminiscent of the Mookie Betts situation, lamenting the handling of young stars.
He went further, saying,
“I don’t know what the hell we are doing in Boston right now. This feels like Mookie Betts all over again, trading a young superstar like this. Listen, I know he didn’t want to play first base. But guess what, there is a lot of organizations that deal with disgruntled superstars. Guess what, find a way to deal with it! I mean, bruh, I could literally walk off the set right now because I’m still pissed.”
Woody’s Background Adds Weight to His Support for Boston Sports
Woody’s attachment to Boston sports is understandable, considering his five-year tenure with the New England Patriots early in his NFL career. His passion for the Red Sox is evident, making his fiery critique of the Devers trade stand out among commentators who typically do not weigh in on baseball operations.
Woody’s fervor echoes similar reactions from other sports media figures when front offices make questionable decisions, such as the recent trade between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers involving Luka Dončić. Such moves often invite scrutiny from unexpected quarters when perceived as front office failures.
Assessing the Players Received in Exchange and Future Implications
While the Red Sox’s trade has drawn widespread criticism, the team did receive prospects with potential, such as Kyle Harrison, ranked the No. 23 prospect in baseball entering the previous season. At just 23 years old, Harrison has yet to show standout performance in the majors but could develop into a frontline starting pitcher in time.
It remains premature to fully judge the trade’s success until the prospects Boston acquired have had the chance to prove themselves in the coming years. However, the initial public reaction and Woody’s outspoken disdain highlight the deep disappointment surrounding this decision.
Potential Impact on the Red Sox and Baseball Community Response
The trading of Rafael Devers signals a controversial turning point for the Red Sox, particularly as it recalls the divisive Mookie Betts trade that remains fresh in fans’ and analysts’ minds. Woody’s emotional reaction underscores the frustration many feel about losing a young, talented player who had become a key figure for the team.
The decision will likely spark continued debate over the Red Sox front office’s strategy and its willingness to part with star players rather than finding solutions to manage disputes internally. As the prospects involved develop, baseball fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if this trade ultimately pays off or confirms fears of diminished competitiveness.