Following the Boston Red Sox’s trade of star player Rafael Devers, numerous reports emerged, especially concerning Devers’ hesitation to play first base and tensions within the team. Among these was a persistent claim that Devers was upset with Kristian Campbell, who had been learning the first base position, but ESPN’s Jeff Passan has disputed this narrative in a recent article.
Debunking the Claims of Discord Between Devers and Campbell
Jeff Passan addressed the swirling rumors surrounding the Devers trade, specifically the allegation that Devers was frustrated with his teammate Kristian Campbell for volunteering to try first base. According to Passan’s reporting, multiple sources confirmed that Devers was never upset with Campbell. Passan wrote,
“The discussion around the Devers deal has devolved into falsehoods taking root.”
He further clarified,
“There are small ones, like Devers being mad at Campbell for volunteering to play first base — he wasn’t mad, multiple sources said.”
These false reports had contributed to unnecessary tensions and confusion among fans and within the Boston Red Sox organization. However, Passan’s clarification eliminates the notion that there was personal animosity between Devers and Campbell over the positional change.
Context Behind the Rumors and Their Impact
The rumor that Devers was upset at Campbell for trying first base appeared implausible when compared to other information about Devers’ character and team dynamics. Claims from various insiders suggested that Devers never targeted teammates or expressed anger toward them. This particular accusation was therefore seen as a significant, unfounded leap, likely exacerbating the already sensitive atmosphere following the trade.
As speculation about Devers’ future and attitude intensified, these rumors fueled fan frustration, particularly because Devers’ supposed refusal to switch to first base was already a contentious topic. Passan’s report surfaced just as the Red Sox were preparing to play against Devers’ new team for the first time since the trade, serving to ease lingering hostilities.
Looking Ahead: Moving Beyond the Trade Drama
With both Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox aiming to move past the fallout from the trade, Passan’s insistence on the inaccuracy of the “Devers mad at Campbell” story helps clear the air and close a chapter filled with speculation and friction. The clarification reinforces that Devers maintained professional relations with his teammates, and the toxic narrative surrounding first base struggles was largely overblown.
As fans and organizations adjust to the new dynamics, this resolution may help repair the fractured perceptions surrounding the trade and allow everyone involved to focus on their upcoming performances.