The unexpected trade of Rafael Devers left Boston Red Sox fans stunned and uncertain about the team’s direction heading into the second half of the season.
Latest stats from an MLB insider, combined with reporter insights, highlight just how difficult things have become for Boston without their star slugger.
Rafael Devers Trade Coincides With Boston’s Offensive Collapse
Bob Nightengale from USA Today was one of the first to raise concerns.
He noted the sharp decline in the Red Sox designated hitter’s performance compared to Devers’ impressive early showing with the San Francisco Giants.
The Boston Red Sox DH production in the 10 games since the Rafael Devers trade: 1 HR 2 extra-base hits 3 RBI .581 OPS. Devers’s last two games: 1 HR 2 extra-base hits 2 RBI 1.600 OPS.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 28, 2025
He also issued a broader statistical indictment: “You think the Boston Red Sox are missing Rafael Devers’ bat? The Red Sox DH production since the Devers trade: Batting average: .182. On-base percentage: .270. Slugging percentage: .273. OPS: .543. HRs: 1 (lone extra-base hit). RBI: 3. Runs: 3. Walks: 3. Strikeouts: 12. Record: 3-6.”
Matt Dargan reported on NESN about the team’s rough patch post-trade, stating, “When the Boston Red Sox return to Fenway Park to open a new series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, they’ll be trying to snap a five-game losing streak after going 3-6 on the recent 10-day West Coast road trip.”
Dargan noted that the trade news broke just as the team was boarding their flight, leaving them to confront the challenge of playing without their All-Star slugger. Their offensive struggles peaked during a sweep by the Los Angeles Angels, which ended in a 5-2 loss on Wednesday.
After the rough three-game sweep by the Angels, which included 33 strikeouts and only nine runs, Red Sox head coach Alex Cora didn’t hold back on being honest about it.
“If you follow us, we’ve been striking out since day one, so we need to make adjustments,” Cora admitted via Owen Crisafulli of NESN.
The trade occurred on June 15, 2025, marking the end of an era as Devers was the final key player remaining from the Red Sox’s 2018 championship roster. He had signed a massive 10-year, $313.5 million extension in January 2023. Tension began to build after the team signed Alex Bregman to play third base, and Devers declined a move to first base.
While the Red Sox have hit a season low, Devers has provided a much-needed spark to a slumping Giants lineup. With Willy Adames and Jung Hoo Lee struggling, Devers has already tallied 10 hits, 6 walks and five RBIs in just 39 at-bats.
As the Giants look to remain in playoff contention, Devers’ early impact has offered a glimpse of hope and stability in the heart of the lineup. Meanwhile, questions continue to swirl around Boston’s decision-making, with fans and analysts alike wondering if parting ways with their franchise cornerstone will come back to haunt them.