The Boston Red Sox stunned fans by trading star slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, igniting widespread disappointment and frustration. This move, finalized around Father’s Day, has added another layer to the ongoing tension between Devers and the Red Sox front office as revealed in new reports.

Behind the Scenes: Devers Was Willing to Shift Positions

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Rafael Devers had shown openness to playing first base starting in 2026, a position change the Red Sox requested following season-ending injury to Triston Casas. After publicly stating he would not play first base, the team’s leadership—including CEO Sam Kennedy and Craig Breslow—traveled to Kansas City to speak directly with Devers. The discussions continued over breakfast the next day, where Devers indicated readiness to prepare for full-time duties at first base in the coming year.

“After Devers told the media he would not play first, Henry, Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy and (Craig) Breslow flew to Kansas City, where Boston was playing, to speak with Devers. He met again with Henry for breakfast the next day, according to a source. Devers indicated he would prepare to play the position in 2026 if the team wanted to move him there full-time.” —Jeff Passan, ESPN

Fractured Relationship and Trade Decision

The relationship between Devers and the Red Sox front office had been strained since the signing of Alex Bregman. Devers’ reluctance to become a full-time designated hitter led to awkward moments during Spring Training, and the refusal to move to first base appeared to be the final factor prompting the organization to trade him. Publicly, the team portrayed the meetings as constructive, but internally, the decision to trade Devers was imminent.

“While publicly the Red Sox deemed the meetings productive, they knew what was happening next. Rafael Devers was getting traded.” —Jeff Passan, ESPN

Missed Opportunities and Fans’ Disappointment

Had the Red Sox chosen to continue the season with their existing roster, the rift might have healed. Devers was likely to become the team’s full-time first baseman eventually, fulfilling the role he will now assume with the Giants. Instead, the trade has left many devoted fans feeling betrayed and questioning the competence of the Red Sox front office.

Devers’ new role with the Giants is expected to cement his status as a premier first baseman, making the trade’s impact more pronounced for Boston supporters. As the team moves forward, the decisions from this period will be scrutinized for their long-term effects on the franchise’s competitiveness and fan loyalty.