The former Red Sox All-Star slugger has looked like he’s fading in the Bay Area, while Beantown’s favorite team benefited both in talent and financially in the two teams’ trade last season
By Ryan K Boman | Sports Illustrated | May 16, 2026
When the San Francisco Giants traded for Boston Red Sox’ slugging infielder/DH Rafael Devers in mid-2025, it was because they thought they were a contender. While the move seemingly came with a high price tag then, the return on investment continues to dwindle even more for the Bay Area ballclub.
On June 15 of last year, the club pulled the trigger in a deal to acquire the now 29-year-old former All-Star in exchange for LHP Kyle Harrison, RHP Jordan Hicks, OF prospect James Tibbs III, and RHP Jose Bello. But the transaction wasn’t just about trading talent; The trade allowed Boston to shed over $245 million in salary, which San Francisco picked up as part of the package.
Based on post-trade performance in 2025, the Crimson Hose are generally seen as early winners, mostly for maximizing their flexibility, though Devers was still considered to be a cornerstone, a cleanup hitter who was perfectly suited for …READ MORE HERE
