The Boston Red Sox are experiencing growing doubts following their trade of Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, especially as Devers recently made an unexpected move to first base for the first time in his professional career. This transition, combined with Boston’s sluggish start after the All-Star break, has raised questions about the long-term impact of the trade and how it might affect both teams involved.
Since the trade, the Red Sox have shifted from an optimistic 10-game winning streak to a disappointing 1-4 record, highlighting the challenges they face without Devers. The move of their former third baseman to first base underlines a development that Boston likely did not foresee when they agreed to the deal.
Underwhelming Contributions from Incoming Pitchers
The Red Sox have yet to see significant returns from the pitchers acquired in the trade, Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison. Hicks struggled notably in one outing against the Philadelphia Phillies, walking two batters and conceding a critical game-ending catchers’ interference in the 10th inning. Similarly, Harrison has faced difficulties adjusting, posting a 1-2 win-loss record and a 5.94 ERA across four starts with Triple-A Worcester.
Other prospects Boston received have also faced setbacks. Jose Bello remains in rookie ball without standout performances, and James Tibbs is posting a disappointing .224 batting average at the Double-A level. These results suggest that Boston’s return on the trade has been underwhelming so far, which amplifies the feeling of loss following Devers’ departure.
Impact of Devers’ Absence on Boston’s Offense
Boston’s offense has noticeably struggled since the All-Star break, scoring only 10 runs across five games. Devers’ absence has been felt keenly, even though his own performance with San Francisco has been far from dominant, hitting just .219 as of Tuesday. Yet his decision to switch from third base, where he had firmly established himself, to first base marks a surprising new chapter in his career and adds complexity to the narrative surrounding the trade.
This positional switch likely caused unease among Red Sox personnel, given that the team had attempted to reposition Devers themselves before deciding to trade him. His shift to first base, a position he had never played professionally, was unforeseen and may have contributed to Boston’s lingering regret.
The Disputed Position Change and Trade Background
The Red Sox hoped for Devers to adapt to first base especially after Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury in May, leaving a void at that position. However, Devers reportedly resisted leaving third base and showed dissatisfaction toward a possible move to designated hitter as well. This resistance was a significant factor in Boston’s decision to trade him.
Despite pressure from the team’s ownership and front office urging Devers to accept the position changes, he maintained his stance, contributing to the breakdown of his tenure in Boston. When asked about Devers’ new role, Red Sox manager Alex Cora avoided directly addressing the position switch, instead choosing to discuss the current roster and remaining players. His reluctance to comment reflected the organization’s intent to move forward beyond the Devers era.
Management’s Perspective on the Trade’s Challenges
Craig Breslow, Boston’s team president, acknowledged the team’s struggles following the trade but refrained from commenting on the position change specifically. He praised Devers as a
“tremendous hitter that fits in the middle of a lineup and gives opposing teams fits.”
At the same time, Breslow noted the overall difficulties Boston faced, stating,
He’s just a tremendous hitter that fits in the middle of a lineup and gives opposing teams fits,
—Craig Breslow, Team President
But I think the reality is, we weren’t winning as many games as we should. We weren’t an example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. We had a bunch of really good individual performances, but they weren’t stacking up to win as many games as we should have been.
—Craig Breslow, Team President
Breslow’s comments highlight the complexity of the situation, suggesting that despite individual talent, the team’s collective performance fell short, justifying the difficult decisions made during the season.
Future Implications and Ongoing Discussions
As the season continues, the consequences of Rafael Devers’ switch to first base and the underperformance of Boston’s new players will remain central to conversations about the trade. Boston’s struggles without Devers contrast with his fresh role in San Francisco, underscoring the unsettled state of both baseball organizations after the deal.
How the Red Sox address their lineup and pitching rotations going forward, along with whether Devers solidifies himself at first base or reverts to his original position, will shape the narrative for both teams as they move deeper into the season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Rafael Devers a good hitter?
A. Before reaching 30 years of age, Devers has played many games and is one of the top hitters. He is ranked alongside Hall of Famers like Al Kaline and Dave Winfield.
Q. Is Rafael Devers elite?
A. Rafael Devers was recognized for his excellent hitting performance this past week. Despite the chaos around him, his offensive skills stood out.
Q. What does Rafael Devers chew?
A. Rafael Devers doesn’t use chewing tobacco. Although he seems to have something in his cheek during games, it’s just gum and sunflower seeds. MLB rules ban players who started after 2016 from using tobacco on the field, and Devers began his career in 2017.