The Rafael Devers era is officially over in Beantown after a drama-filled start to the 2025 MLB season. On Sunday, the Boston Red Sox shipped the veteran designated hitter off to the San Francisco Giants, bringing back a combination of four experienced names and prospects that includes right-handed hurler Jordan Hicks and outfielder James Tibbs III.
Although his 2025 campaign was rocky, with all of the third- and first-base drama, few Red Sox fans expected to see Devers kicked to the curb in mid-June. Fans have since spent the post-trade fallout waiting to hear what the front office and managerial staff have to say about the unexpected deal.
Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Reacts to Rafael Devers Blockbuster Trade
Shortly after the news of Devers being sent to the Giants hit the internet, Red Sox manager Alex Cora hopped on Instagram to make a goodbye post (h/t @BostonStrong_34) for his departed slugger.
"Gracias," Cora wrote as the caption for a picture of him and Devers celebrating the 2018 World Series victory.
Alex Cora with an IG post for Rafael Devers. pic.twitter.com/Kx3B3NV0fN
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) June 16, 2025
Cora's emotional post isn't a surprise given his relationship with Devers. The Red Sox manager was hired as the club's manager following the 2017 MLB season, which happened to be the Dominican slugger's first with the franchise. Since then, Cora has played a big role in Devers' success, which includes the aforementioned World Series title.
There's a good chance that Cora didn't even want Devers traded, whether it was this season or down the line.
The three-time MLB All-Star is someone whom Cora has a lot of respect for, proven by the latter's handling of the third-base drama after Alex Bregman was signed this offseason. The Red Sox skipper refused to throw Devers under the bus despite the latter's unhappiness about losing the starting 3B job and tried to do whatever he could to make the disgruntled DH happy.
At the end of the day, Cora's belief in Devers didn't matter much if chief baseball officer Craig Breslow wanted him out of town.
Devers' 10-year, $313.5 million contract was signed before Breslow was hired in his role, and he clearly didn't have the same emotional attachment to the 28-year-old as the previous regime did. If anything, the drama this season gave the Boston executive an excuse to get out of things early.
Much to Cora's delight (or dismay, depending on how he looks at it), he won't have to wait long for a reunion. Devers and the Giants will be hosting the Red Sox for a three-game series at Oracle Park this weekend, leaving time to tell if his performance will make Boston regret the shocking June trade.
Even though he's no longer on the roster, Devers will likely remain a hot topic among Red Sox fans throughout the next few days and, potentially, the rest of the season.