Two days after the Boston Red Sox completed a significant trade sending Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, the ripple effects continue to unfold. While uncertainty surrounds the future for both the Red Sox and Giants, the immediate impact on the American League East rivals is becoming clear. Devers, a longtime challenge for AL East teams, now plays in the National League, providing a surprising advantage to Boston’s divisional competitors.
Why AL East Rivals Are Thanking Boston’s Chief Baseball Officer
Among those reacting to the trade is Orioles slugger Ryan O’Hearn, who publicly expressed his gratitude to Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow. However, his appreciation was not for the Red Sox gaining an edge but rather for Devers moving out of the division. O’Hearn acknowledged Breslow during an appearance on Foul Territory, saying,
“Yeah, I just want to shout out Craig Breslow real quick. Appreciate you, man,”
—Ryan O’Hearn, Orioles slugger.
Devers’ Departure Opens Door for New AL DH Leaders
With Devers shifting leagues, O’Hearn has taken the lead in fan voting for the American League designated hitter (DH) role for the upcoming All-Star Game. MLB confirmed that Devers had accumulated 796,382 votes before the trade, holding a commanding lead among AL DH candidates. Since Devers’ departure, O’Hearn has surged into first place in the AL DH voting, boosting his chances of advancing to the next phase of voting and possibly starting at the All-Star Game.
O’Hearn’s Strong Performance Boosts All-Star Prospects
It’s not just the fan vote helping O’Hearn’s case. His on-field performance has been impressive this season, batting .306 with an OBP of .386 and slugging .495, including 10 home runs. These statistics reinforce his All-Star candidacy, especially as teammate Yordan Alvarez remains sidelined due to a hand injury and has played only 29 games this year. Alvarez has not appeared in a game since May 2, making room for O’Hearn’s rise in prominence.
Orioles’ Climb in the AL East Standings
The Baltimore Orioles, O’Hearn’s team, currently hold a 30-41 record but have shown signs of momentum, winning 14 of their last 21 games. They sit 6½ games behind the Red Sox for the third wild-card spot in the AL East, narrowing the gap and maintaining hope for a postseason run despite the season’s challenges.
What the Trade Means for the AL East Race
The Rafael Devers trade impact on AL East rivals extends beyond just fan voting. With a consistent offensive threat removed from Boston’s lineup, other division teams may view the Red Sox as less intimidating, potentially altering strategies and playoff projections. For Devers, joining the Giants offers a fresh start in the NL West, while the Red Sox will look to rebuild and adapt their roster moving forward. AL East rivals like the Orioles might find renewed confidence in this shifting landscape as the season progresses.