Rafael Devers’ fractured relationship with the Boston Red Sox is over after he was traded to the San Francisco Giants in a move that is “tailor made” for the Bay team.
Three-time All-Star Devers joins the Giants in exchange for left-handed starter Kyle Harrison, right-hander Jordan Hicks, outfield prospect James Tibbs III and Rookie League right-hander Jose Bello.
The move came out of the blue with Harrison informed he would not be starting Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers shortly before the warm-ups.
Welcome to The Bay, Raffy! 🌁 pic.twitter.com/FegZAPUctv
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) June 16, 2025
It represents a major coup for a Giants team who are fighting for top spot in the National League West.
“Yeah, it was a lot, and it was late. But you know what? This is something we really needed,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said.
“To get a guy like Devers… there’s a lot you have to give up for him, but this fits us perfectly. It’s a power left-handed bat, a guy that can go the other way and hit for power in our ballpark. I mean, it’s tailor-made for us, so kudos to the front office to swing this.”
Devers fell out with the Red Sox in spring training after being told he would not play his customary third base position this season following the acquisition of Alex Bregman.
Boston then asked him to switch from designated hitter to first base when Tristan Casas suffered a season-ending injury in May – a request Devers rejected.
That prompted showdown talks between Devers, Red Sox owner John Henry, president Sam Kennedy and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow in Kansas City but the 28-year-old refused to budge.
The off-field discontent did not translate to a downgrade in performance on it with Devers slashing .272/.401/.504 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs, tied for the third most in MLB.
📰 Table Of Contents
Posey coy on Devers’ position at the Giants
It is not yet known where Devers will play in San Francisco.
“That’s a conversation for myself, Bob and [general manager] Zack [Minasian] to have with him,” Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey said.
“We’re excited about adding one of the best hitters in all of Major League Baseball to our lineup.
“We’re obviously taking on a lot of dollars, but there’s a belief that adding a guy like this puts us in a good position to keep winning ballgames, get into the playoffs and try to win a World Series, which is our ultimate goal.”
The guy’s a stud – Webb
ESPN reported the Giants will cover the remainder of Devers’ contract that runs through 2033 and will pay him more than $250million.
Giants pitcher Logan Webb said it was worth every penny.
“We’re getting a guy back who changes the lineup, who’s probably a top-10 hitter in baseball every year,” said Webb.
“Any time you add a player of that caliber, I think you give yourself a chance every day.
I don’t know where he’s going to hit, but I don’t think it really matters. The guy’s a stud – plain and simple. I’m excited about it.”
