When the Boston Red Sox wrapped up a thrilling sweep of the New York Yankees last weekend, the clubhouse should have been buzzing with momentum. Rafael Devers had just launched a go-ahead solo home run to help seal the victory, and Boston looked like a team finding its stride.
But mere hours later, that energy flipped on its head. The shocking news broke: Devers, the homegrown slugger and face of the franchise, had been traded to the San Francisco Giants, a devastating blow for the fan base and the clubhouse.
Events That Led Up To Trade
One of the most productive hitters in recent Red Sox history and a World Series champion, Devers’ exit followed a season characterized by conflict behind the scenes. First, he had grudgingly accepted a full-time designated hitter role after the organization decided to sign Alex Bregman in the offseason. However, when Tristan Casas, the first baseman, suffered a season-ending injury, things became even worse.
Devers refused to slide to first base when Boston urged him to. The Red Sox apparently made their move after internal conflict arose from that refusal. For some, it seemed like a one-time incident gone wrong. For seasoned MLB reporter Ken Rosenthal, however, it was a far more profound and unsettlingly familiar experience.
“The biggest problem I have with the Red Sox is that this is a pattern,” he said, adding, “The Red Sox parting with a star. An ugly divorce, not the first time. This goes back to the John Henry ownership, to Terry Francona, to Jon Lester, to Mookie Betts.”
“The biggest problem I have with the Red Sox is that this is a pattern.”
Rafael Devers is just the latest example of an ugly divorce between the Red Sox and a star player, says @Ken_Rosenthal. pic.twitter.com/0ELGr2HhGI
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) June 16, 2025
Furthermore, Rosenthal claimed, “They didn’t want to pay him what he thought he was worth. Bad decision on their part. And Xander Bogaerts to a certain extent.” His dissatisfaction is a reflection of what many Boston fans have been experiencing for years.
Losing Stars Raises Question on Ownership
The Red Sox appear to struggle with their relationships with important players on a regular basis. After receiving a lackluster extension offer, homegrown pitcher and postseason hero Jon Lester was moved in 2014. Instead of giving a long-term contract, Mookie Betts, the 2018 AL MVP, was traded to the Dodgers in 2020.
After Boston failed to live up to what he wanted, Xander Bogaerts, a career Red Sox shortstop and a vocal leader, left in free agency in 2022. Now, add Devers to that list.
The team is clearly shifting into a new era, with young players like Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, and Kristian Campbell leading the charge. But Rosenthal’s warning hangs over the transition: if Boston keeps burning bridges with the stars who define its culture, how sustainable is any rebuild?