San Francisco Giants Shock with Rafael Devers Trade

The San Francisco Giants made waves on Sunday by trading for three-time All-Star Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox. This unexpected move involves Boston parting with a player once seen as a franchise icon, while San Francisco hopes to reinvigorate their lineup.

In exchange, Boston acquired left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison, right-hander Jordan Hicks, promising outfield prospect James Tibbs III, and Rookie League pitcher Jose Bello.

The Red Sox officially announced the trade on Sunday night.

San Francisco is set to cover the remainder of Devers’ substantial contract, which lasts through 2033 and exceeds $250 million, sources informed ESPN.

The trade marks the end of a strained relationship between Devers and the Red Sox, which began unraveling in spring training when Devers resisted changing positions from third base—his professional spot—following the signing of free agent Alex Bregman. Without prior notice, Boston expected Devers to transition to being their designated hitter, leading to his frustration before he agreed to the role.

After first baseman Triston Casas was sidelined with a season-ending injury in early May, Boston asked Devers to cover first base, but he declined, suggesting the team “do their jobs” in finding another player. Having been told he’d play DH this year, his resistance resulted in Red Sox leadership—including owner John Henry—flying to Kansas City to navigate the situation.

Tensions from Devers’ refusal to shift positions grew, steered by these disagreements, ultimately opening the door for a trade according to insiders.

Jumping at the opportunity, the Giants acquired a powerful addition to their offense, which ranks 15th in MLB for runs scored. Devers, at 28, currently boasts a .272/.401/.504 batting line with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs, earning a spot within the top three in MLB. Across his nine-year career, he has compiled a .279/.349/.509 batting average, with 215 home runs and 696 RBIs in 1,053 games.

Despite issuing Devers a lucrative 10-year, $313.5 million extension in January 2023, delivering a Silver Slugger award, and securing a spot on the All-Star team in 2024, Boston decided to part ways.

Although it remains unclear whether Devers will play as San Francisco’s designated hitter or first baseman—considering their acquisition of Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman last year—his batting prowess significantly bolsters a Giants team vying with the Los Angeles Dodgers for National League West dominance.

The Giants relinquished a valuable blend of young talent and assumed an extensive financial commitment deemed risky by other teams. At the core of Boston’s interest lies Harrison, a top pitching prospect vital for a team abundant in hitting talent but lacking in promising pitchers. Harrison has split time between San Francisco and Triple-A Sacramento this season.

Scratched from a duel against the Dodgers on Sunday, Harrison holds a 4.48 ERA over 182⅔ innings since entering the Giants’ lineup in 2023, registering 178 strikeouts while allowing 30 home runs. Boston has since reassigned him to Triple-A Worcester.

Hicks, 28, toggling between starter and reliever since signing four years and a $44 million contract with San Francisco in 2024, is sidelined by toe inflammation. Known for his explosive pitches, Hicks has developed a 6.47 ERA across 48⅔ innings this season. The Red Sox hope to bolster their bullpen, led by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.

Selected 13th overall in last year’s draft from Florida State, Tibbs has been active in High-A, where he posted a .245/.377/.480 line with 12 home runs and 32 RBIs over 56 games. Scouts commend his strike zone discipline, though there are concerns about his swing’s efficacy in advanced leagues.

A reliever for the Giants’ Rookie League, Bello, who stands at 20, amassed 28 strikeouts, three walks, and an impressive 2.00 ERA across 18 innings.

Boston’s move signals another departure of a franchise staple—in 2020, they traded Mookie Betts to the Dodgers after his MVP win and a World Series triumph.

Devers contributed to Boston’s World Series win in 2018 and consistently led in RBIs from 2020 through 2024, earning MVP votes in recent years. Signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic in 2013, he debuted with Boston at age 20 after four years in the minors.

The Red Sox now expect their emerging talents to fill the void left by Devers. Young players such as Kristian Campbell, Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, and Carlos Narvaez are frequently rostered, while Franklin Arias and Jhostynxon Garcia are projected to contribute in the near future.