In a turn of events that many Boston Red Sox fans still find unbelievable, Rafael Devers has officially joined the San Francisco Giants, and the Red Sox will not be paying a single cent of the $250 million remaining on his contract.
Giants Absorb Another Huge Contract
The Giants will pay the remaining balance of Devers’ 10-year, $313 million contract, which he signed in January 2023, according to the initial report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Devers, one of the league’s most feared left-handed hitters and a longtime staple of the Red Sox lineup, is no longer with the team. Every dollar is also associated with his name.
The San Francisco Giants will cover the full $250 Million remaining on Rafael Devers contract, the Red Sox are dumping all of his salary.
Via: @JeffPassan
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) June 15, 2025
A huge payroll was just removed from the books by the Red Sox, who are currently in the process of switching to a younger, more adaptable squad. This wasn’t simply a star move; it was a financial turnabout, as Devers’ 2025 payroll was over $31 million, plus a $29 million luxury tax penalty.
Boston now has breathing room going into the trade deadline and the following summer, which could enable them to be aggressive, sign contracts, or retool for the next stage of their franchise’s development. However, this wasn’t just a numbers game for supporters and even some clubhouse employees.
Devers made his debut in 2017 as a 20-year-old, and he soon established himself as an essential player with clutch hits, postseason highlights, and a smile that made him one of Boston sports’ most adored faces. His departure creates a hole in addition to opening up payroll. Ironically, as Boston begins its post-Devers chapter, 21-year-old Roman Anthony hit his first career home run earlier this week, becoming the youngest Red Sox to go yard since Devers himself.
October or Bust for San Francisco
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, the message is unmistakable: it’s go time.
The Giants have now spent about $650 million on three players in less than a year after this move. Matt Chapman was re-signed to a $151 million, six-year contract. Willy Adames, the former shortstop with Milwaukee, was signed to a seven-year contract worth $181 million. They are now completely committed to accepting Devers’ $250 million contract, which will boost their 2025 payroll to well over $220 million for the year, but it’ll add another formidable bat to their roster.
This isn’t a cautious contender. This group is going for the fences. The road ahead is suddenly clear for Boston. The funds are available; there is a rise in fresh talent. However, Devers’ legacy, what he meant to the city and the team, will not go away quickly.
Sometimes, a fresh start costs everything. For the Red Sox, that includes saying goodbye to their biggest star. For the Giants, it means betting big on their October dreams.