In the aftermath of the Rafael Devers Giants Red Sox trade, former Boston Red Sox star David Ortiz has openly criticized Devers, expressing strong disappointment over his handling of the situation. The exchange came as Ortiz addressed the rift that contributed to Devers’ departure from Boston following his resistance to playing first base, which ultimately led to his move to the San Francisco Giants.
Ortiz Calls Out Devers’ Attitude and Position Dispute
David Ortiz, regarded as a Boston icon and team leader, noted he was particularly troubled by Devers’ reluctance to accept a new role within the organization, despite being asked to contribute as both a designated hitter and a first baseman. This pushback, after initially agreeing to one position, fueled frustration among Red Sox leadership and deepened division between Devers and the team.
Speaking with DJ Siddiqi of Forbes about the fallout, Ortiz outlined his view that the club had little choice but to let Devers go, given the escalating standoff.
“The team asked him to play multiple positions and I guess he didn’t want to,”
—David Ortiz, Fox Sports Broadcaster. He further called attention to the consequence of not adapting for the betterment of the team:
“Whatever makes you happy, it seems like he wasn’t… You have to move on.”
—David Ortiz, Fox Sports Broadcaster.
Advice on Teamwork and Warnings About Ego
Ortiz emphasized the importance of putting the team before personal preference, referencing his own experience in the major leagues and the pitfalls of inflexibility. He criticized the notion that any one player cannot be replaced within a team structure, saying,
“No one is indispensable on a team. The only way to become indispensable is by doing things the right way,”
—David Ortiz, Fox Sports Broadcaster. In one of his most pointed remarks toward Devers, Ortiz warned,
“Your worst enemy is your ego.”
—David Ortiz, Fox Sports Broadcaster.
Red Sox Financial Flexibility in the Post-Devers Era
With Devers now gone, Ortiz expressed hope that the Boston Red Sox could benefit from the financial freedom created by shedding a significant contract. He looked ahead to the potential for the franchise to redirect resources into acquiring talent more willing to fit into the organization’s system.
“Wishing him all the best over there in San Francisco, continuing to be successful and now we have over $300 million where we can go and get someone that can agree with what we have going on over here,”
—David Ortiz, Fox Sports Broadcaster.
The trade marks a dramatic shift for both the Red Sox and Devers, a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger. Ortiz’s sharp critique highlights tension around professional sports egos, adaptability, and team culture. As the San Francisco Giants welcome Devers, all eyes will be on how both teams rebuild their futures in the wake of this high-profile deal.