Red Sox Face Backlash After Rafael Devers Trade to Giants

The Boston Red Sox traded star slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in a blockbuster mid-season deal that has drawn widespread criticism and divided opinions among fans and insiders. Devers, who signed a 10-year, $313.5 million extension in 2023, was asked to shift positions multiple times, including moving from third base to designated hitter and then to first base after an injury to a teammate, which he refused, sparking tension with management. Former Red Sox players like Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz criticized both Devers and the front office, with Ortiz condemning Devers' ego and Ramirez sympathizing with him while blasting the organization's handling of the situation. Former Red Sox executive Zack Scott called the trade a result of "organizational malpractice," highlighting mismanagement and poor communication by the Red Sox leadership, particularly involving chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. Meanwhile, former MLB GM Jim Bowden described the trade as "egregious," suggesting ego conflicts within the front office influenced the decision, which ultimately led to a suboptimal return for the team—two underperforming pitchers and two minor league prospects. Despite the backlash, some insiders believe the trade was a bold but necessary long-term move that frees up significant salary and brings young talent to the Red Sox, though many fans lament the loss of a key hitter and question the team's ambition and management.