The Boston Red Sox sent shockwaves across the baseball world on Sunday when they traded star slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. The disgruntled designated hitter will get a fresh start out west while pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison, as well as prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello, will make their way to the Red Sox.
Regardless of everyone's thoughts on the return, few people expected to see Devers traded — especially this early into his 10-year, $313.5 million contract. Most Boston fans assumed he'd be a Red Sox mainstay after putting pen to paper; however, questions surrounding his willingness to be a team player during the first- and third-base drama left Craig Breslow wanting to cut ties immediately.
Since Sunday afternoon, people around the MLB landscape have been weighing in on the blockbuster Red Sox trade. That includes one former Boston fan favorite who can likely relate to Devers.
Mookie Betts Reacts to Red Sox Trading Rafael Devers to Giants
Red Sox fans have seen plenty of beloved stars leave Boston before the fanbase was ready to say goodbye. One of those players is Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop and former American League MVP Mookie Betts, who didn't have the most enthusiastic reaction to learning he'll now share the NL West with his former teammate.
"Nothing really to say, it’s just crazy," Betts told The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. "I genuinely don’t care... It just is what it is.."
Even though he can relate to being unceremoniously dumped by the Red Sox, it's clear Betts doesn't want to give much thought to his former employer.
It's been nearly six years since Betts last put on a Red Sox uniform, so it isn't surprising that he's indifferent about the Devers deal. Unwilling to pay the All-Star infielder what he was seeking, Boston traded Betts, David Price, and some cash to L.A. back in February 2020, receiving Connor Wong, Alex Verdugo, and Jeter Downs in return.
Fast forward to 2025, when Wong is the only part of the return still with the organization. Meanwhile, Betts has since won two World Series with the Dodgers. In other words, Red Sox fans have every right to be worried about history repeating itself after trading Devers.
Whether or not the Red Sox's additions pan out or bust remains to be seen. Regardless, it's going to be hard to replace Devers' bat in the lineup, despite any off-field drama. The two-time Silver Slugger is slashing .272/.401/.504 with 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, 56 walks, and a 2.3 WAR in 73 games (272 at-bats) this season.
Now playing for division rivals, Betts and Devers' first collision will happen when the Dodgers visit the Giants for a three-game series right before the 2025 MLB All-Star break. The Red Sox will get an earlier peak at their former DH before that when they visit Oracle Park this coming weekend. Devers won't return to Boston until 2026 unless the Red Sox and Giants reach the World Series.
Red Sox fans wish Devers nothing but the best on his fresh start. Having said that, his potentially replicating Betts' success post-trade would probably sing, especially given the nature of the unexpected June deal.