The Boston Red Sox traded All-Star third baseman (maybe just calling him an infielder would be more accurate at this point... hmm...) Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants just a year ago in a controversial move. And while Boston still hasn't found a real replacement for the Dominican Republic native, it seems like both teams may be struggling with the aftermath of the trade.
Rafael Devers has struggled for the Giants recently
In his first 31 games for the Giants this season (before May), Devers batted just .207 at the plate and recorded two home runs, 11 RBIs, and 40 strikeouts. It seemed like his cold streak from last season continued, as he recorded a .200 batting average, seven home runs, 16 RBIs, and 33 strikeouts in September 2025.
Devers has turned things around this month (.364 BA, three home runs, seven RBIs in 10 games), but given his incredibly expensive contract (he is in Year 4 of his 10-year, $313.5 million extension), things are beginning to look sketchy for a San Francisco team that is 17-24 and is just one game ahead of the Colorado Rockies, who sit at the bottom of the NL West standings).
There is still a ton of time for the 29-year-old to find his rhythm again (and, to be fair, it seems like he might be doing that right now), but it's safe to say that the Giants are clearly hoping to get more out of him sooner rather than later.
The Red Sox aren't winners of the Rafael Devers trade either
Devers' struggles don't negate the fact that Boston would still love to have a legitimately feared and powerful hitter like him in the lineup. And that's especially the case right now, with Roman Anthony on the shelf due to a finger/hand/wrist injury.
He may not be on his A-game, but Devers is always a threat to hit a home run on any pitch at any time. The Red Sox don't really have anybody like that on the team at the moment, and they haven't been able to truly replace him.
Plus, we can't ignore how lackluster their return for the three-time All-Star looks now (James Tibbs III is with the Los Angeles Dodgers' organization, Kyle Harrison is pitching incredibly well with the Milwaukee Brewers, and Jordan Hicks was horrible during his time in Boston and is turning it around with the Chicago White Sox... It all just comes down to Jose Bello, who likely won't sniff the majors for another few years at the earliest).
(Not to mention that Alex Bregman, who was essentially meant to be Devers' replacement, also departed in the offseason and signed with the Chicago Cubs.)
Do the Red Sox regreat trading Devers? Probably not. His contract is massive, and there were reportedly some problems with his attitude and work ethic (were the Red Sox to blame here? Maybe). But do they need someone like him on the team? 100%.
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