In a blockbuster MLB trade that sent shockwaves through the baseball world, the San Francisco Giants have acquired All-Star slugger Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox. The deal, finalized on the evening of Sunday, June 15, 2025, just moments before the Giants' crucial game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, marks one of the most stunning moves in recent baseball history.
Devers, 28, a perennial MVP candidate and three-time All-Star, is in the second year of a massive 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension signed in January 2023. The Giants will assume the entirety of the remaining contract, which still has eight years left after this season, a commitment that underscores their belief in Devers' elite offensive capabilities.
The Red Sox received a significant package in return, including right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks, 28, who is signed through 2027; 23-year-old lefty Kyle Harrison, who has made 35 MLB starts and holds an ERA+ of 88 over three seasons; outfield and infield prospect James Tibbs, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 draft out of Florida State with a minor league slash line of .244/.351/.433 across 82 games; and minor league right-hander Jose Bello, 20, who boasts a 2.97 ERA and a 5.83 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 25 appearances this season, mostly in rookie ball.
The trade's timing was dramatic, announced roughly 90 minutes before the Giants’ game against the Dodgers, causing a last-minute pitching change as Harrison was replaced by Sean Hjelle on the mound. Giants shortstop Willy Adames revealed he found out about the trade just 20 minutes before first pitch, expressing his excitement: "Everybody's so excited. Me personally, I'm thrilled to have him on the team. Obviously, he's one of the best hitters in the game, and to have him on the team, I think he's going to help us do a lot of damage in the division. Obviously, we need a bat like him in this lineup, so now when we get Chappie back in the lineup, it's going to be exciting." Adames was referencing Matt Chapman, the Giants' top defensive third baseman, who is currently sidelined with an injury.
Devers’ tenure with the Red Sox, where he debuted in 2017 as a 20-year-old international free agent signee, was marked by consistent offensive production. Over nine MLB seasons, he has compiled 214 home runs, an OPS+ of 128, and a WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 24.8. He led Boston in RBIs for five consecutive seasons from 2020 through 2024 and was pivotal in the Red Sox's 2018 World Series championship. This season, Devers was batting .272 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs in 73 games, maintaining a .905 OPS.
However, behind the scenes, tensions had been brewing. The offseason signing of Alex Bregman, who was installed at third base, pushed Devers to accept a full-time designated hitter (DH) role, a position he initially resisted. Matters escalated when first baseman Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury in early May. The Red Sox approached Devers about shifting to first base to cover the loss, but Devers declined, expressing frustration at the changing expectations.
He told Boston media, "I don't feel that they were true to their word. They told me that I was going to play this position — DH — and now they're going back on that." According to reports, Devers also remarked through an interpreter to club chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, "They can't expect me to play every single position out there. In spring training, they talked to me and basically told me to put away my glove, that I wasn't going to play any other position but DH. Right now, I just feel like it's not an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position."
The Red Sox organization reportedly felt that Devers, with a contract of this magnitude, had responsibilities to the team that he was not meeting. This mutual dissatisfaction culminated in the decision to trade him, a move that surprised many given Devers' status as a franchise cornerstone. Red Sox owner John Henry, team president Sam Kennedy, and Breslow even flew to Kansas City to meet with Devers and manager Alex Cora shortly after his public comments, but the relationship had evidently soured.
For Boston, the trade also opens up opportunities to integrate younger hitters who have been emerging this season. The Red Sox currently sit at 37-36, holding fourth place in the competitive AL East, fresh off a sweep of their rivals, the New York Yankees.
Meanwhile, the Giants, currently in second place in the NL West behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, are looking to bolster an offense that ranks 15th in MLB in runs scored and 23rd in OPS. Devers' addition brings a much-needed power surge; the Giants have not had a 30-home run hitter since the legendary Barry Bonds in 2004. Devers could slot in immediately as the DH or possibly play first base, especially with Matt Chapman sidelined.
The trade has already sent ripples through the league. Players from the San Diego Padres, who had just beaten the Arizona Diamondbacks, were reportedly stunned, with one player saying, "I mean, I knew the Giants were looking for a first baseman, but Devers? Wow!" The deal has been compared to major NBA blockbusters, highlighting its significance in MLB terms.
Looking ahead, the Giants and Red Sox will face off in a three-game interleague series starting June 20, adding an intriguing subplot to this high-profile transaction. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Devers adapts to his new team and how the Red Sox recalibrate their lineup without one of their brightest stars.
As this story continues to develop, one thing is clear: the San Francisco Giants have made a bold statement, betting big on Rafael Devers to propel them deeper into postseason contention. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox embark on a new chapter, hoping their haul of young talent and pitching depth will help them reclaim their place among baseball's elite.
