Red Sox legend and Hall of Famer David Ortiz made himself a living by crushing the baseball into the right field bleachers at Fenway Park, just like Rafael Devers. When Ortiz played, he played wherever he could to help the team. As for Devers, he didn't want to, and the organization took exception to his mannerisms.
David Ortiz was asked by Yancen Pujols today about his thoughts on the infamous Devers trade, and he was more than willing to share. "Players need to take this as an example; nobody is indispensable. You have to be available, that was the end of the relationship between Devers and the Red Sox. You need to be smart to understand the situation. Your worst enemy is your ego."
Not only was this a message indirectly to Devers, but to the Red Sox clubhouse as a whole. It's something to tell the younger players, such as Wilyer Abreu, Garrett Crochet, Hunter Dobbins, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Brayan Bello, among others, that nobody is above the team. Devers' immaturity towards the Bregman/third base/DH situation was what sprinkled the drama that lorded over the locker room for months. It indirectly affected the play on the field as well, becoming a visual distraction.
Devers and Breslow never saw eye-to-eye. Both men were upset at how the other handled the situation, and it grew some serious legs towards the middle of the season. When Triston Casas went down for the season, Breslow wanted Devers to switch to first base and alternate as a DH for the time being until they found a more permanent placeholder. But Devers wouldn't budge, so Breslow brought up Abraham Toro from AAA Worcester, who is more than holding his own since his call-up.
Raffy never asked for a trade, but did want out of the organization. Breslow obliged and found the "best" trade possible for the situation. Ortiz confirms Breslow's actions that just because a player is locked into a big contract, there's always a way to get out of it if there's trouble. Nobody's untouchable in baseball, and the Devers trade more than confirmed that. As for the Red Sox clubhouse and how the players will take this is another story entirely.
For those wanting to hear about the Zoom call where Sam Kennedy and Craig Breslow will be addressing the media, it'll be at 8 PM EST on Monday, so check social media and keep the tabs open for more updates.