The San Francisco Giants made headlines last week with their high-profile trade for star third baseman Rafael Devers, a deal that has financial ripples reaching even their Double-A affiliate, the Richmond Flying Squirrels. In a playful nod to the hefty price tag, the Flying Squirrels posted a humorous sign in their dugout addressing the cost of the trade and its impact on everyday team expenses like baseballs.

Humorous Dugout Message Reflects Trade’s Financial Weight

While playing this week in Altoona, the Richmond Flying Squirrels’ bullpen displayed a sign for opposing fans that read:

“We cannot give you a ball. We just traded for Devers and he costs a lot of $.”

This light joke, shared by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Colin Beazley, highlights the significant financial commitment the Giants made to acquire Devers, indirectly affecting their minor league affiliates.

Details of the Trade and Its Financial Commitment

The Giants acquired Devers by sending right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks, left-hander Kyle Harrison, outfield prospect James Tibbs III, and right-handed prospect Jose Bello to the opposing team. In addition to trading promising talent, San Francisco committed to paying the remaining $254 million on Devers’ contract through the 2033 season. Such a substantial expense is felt far beyond the major league level, as even the Double-A team references the cost in their dugout humor.

Broader Impact on the Minor League Affiliate

Though the sign was delivered in jest, it underscores the tension within the Giants organization around the significant resources tied to securing Devers. Cost-cutting, even in small areas like game equipment, is a reflection of how the investment affects day-to-day operations. For the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the joke about baseballs symbolizes how intertwined the team’s budget has become with the major league organization’s financial decisions.