Three-Time All-Star Heads to San Francisco in Stunning Mid-Season Deal
In one of the most shocking trades of the 2025 MLB season, the Boston Red Sox traded three-time All-Star slugger Rafael Devers on Sunday to the San Francisco Giants. The blockbuster deal has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, marking the end of Devers’ eight-season tenure in Boston.
Rafael Devers Trade Details
The Giants are sending Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison, outfield prospect James Tibbs III and pitching prospect Jose Bello to the Red Sox for Rafael Devers. This four-player package represents significant value for Boston, with Harrison being a promising left-handed pitcher and Hicks providing immediate bullpen help.
The trade comes as a surprise given that star slugger Rafael Devers, the lone remaining player from the team’s most recent World Series title squad of 2018, was dealt to the Giants. Devers had been the face of the franchise and signed a massive 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension just two years ago.
Why Did the Red Sox Trade Rafael Devers?
The shocking trade stems from ongoing tensions between Devers and the organization. The team and its superstar had been publicly feuding over Devers’ role since spring training. Devers signed a contract extension in 2023 that seemingly cemented him as the face of the Red Sox, but his relationship with the team deteriorated when he was asked to change positions.
The Red Sox had moved Devers from third base to designated hitter, a decision that reportedly created friction between the player and management. This positional dispute ultimately led to the breakdown in their relationship and paved the way for his departure.
Devers’ 2025 Performance Before Trade
Despite the off-field drama, Devers was performing well on the field. Devers indeed remained in the DH role and, after a slow start to 2025, began putting together what thus far has been one of the most productive campaigns of his career.
Just before the trade was announced, Devers had helped lead the Red Sox to a series sweep of the Yankees. Rafael Devers crushed a home run, extending the Boston Red Sox’s lead over New York Yankees in what would be one of his final games in a Red Sox uniform.
Impact on Both Teams
For the Giants, acquiring Devers represents a massive upgrade to their lineup. The 28-year-old slugger brings proven power and run production to a San Francisco team looking to contend in the competitive NL West.
The Red Sox, meanwhile, receive pitching depth with Hicks and Harrison, along with promising prospects in Tibbs and Jose Bello. This trade signals a potential rebuild or retool for Boston as they part ways with their biggest star.
What’s Next for Rafael Devers?
Devers’ agent, Nelson Montes de Oca, confirmed that the slugger had been traded to San Francisco. The former Red Sox star will now look to continue his productive 2025 season in a Giants uniform as the team pushes for a playoff spot.
This trade marks the end of an era in Boston while potentially beginning a new championship window for the Giants with one of baseball’s premier offensive talents now in their lineup.