Red Sox Trade $313M Rafael Devers to Giants Amid Team Discord

The Boston Red Sox traded their four-time All-Star Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in June 2025, a move that shocked the MLB community given Devers' status as the highest-paid player in franchise history with a $313.5 million contract. The trade was largely driven by Devers' refusal to switch positions—most notably his unwillingness to play first base after the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman and following an injury to Triston Casas—causing friction with the team and its front office, led by Craig Breslow. Former Red Sox first baseman and analyst Kevin Millar publicly supported the trade, criticizing Devers for his inflexibility and suggesting that the Red Sox are better off without him, emphasizing that championships are won by teams rather than individual players. Millar pointed out the irony that while Devers refused to play first base in Boston, he has taken on that role regularly with the Giants, and he speculated that the massive contract may have changed Devers' attitude. The Red Sox have seen improved performance and team results since the trade, which appears to validate the front office's controversial decision despite fan outrage and criticism aimed at Devers. This trade continues to be a polarizing topic among fans and analysts, especially as the Red Sox remain competitive in the AL East.