In a surprising turn of events, Red Sox players learned about a significant trade involving their star player Rafael Devers at the same moment as the rest of the baseball community. Team decision-makers executed the trade that sent Devers to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for four players, including pitchers Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks, along with two minor leaguers. This seismic move left the team and fans bewildered, especially as players were on the team plane when they received the news.
The shock among the team was palpable. Shortstop Trevor Story expressed his disbelief, stating, “Probably just as shocked as everyone else. That’s the best way to describe it. Didn’t really see it coming.” He further commented on the timing of the trade, noting, “We thought we were playing really good. It’s a brutal reminder that this game is a business.” Outfielder Jarren Duran echoed this sentiment, recalling his immediate reaction upon seeing Devers leave the plane. “I saw him get off the plane and just thought, ‘Oh, no way,’ but it’s Rafael Devers,” he reflected.
Pitcher Garrett Crochet described the trade as a “tough blow,” emphasizing the unexpected nature of the decision, especially after the team's recent successes. Manager Alex Cora shared insights into Devers's final moments with the team, noting, “He shook our hands and he took off.” Cora admitted that the ensuing hours felt strange, but they soon transitioned back to “business as usual.” He acknowledged Devers's significant impact on the team, stating, “He means so much to that group, means so much to the organization, to the city of Boston.”
As the Red Sox prepared to face the Seattle Mariners, who are also contenders in the American League wild-card race, the atmosphere in the clubhouse was surprisingly light. Players engaged in routine activities, from attending pregame meetings to sharing jokes, demonstrating resilience in the face of change. Infielder/outfielder Nate Eaton was called up from Triple-A Worcester to fill Devers's roster spot, but the broader implications of the trade left lingering questions about how the team would replace Devers's All-Star-caliber production.
Crochet acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “Obviously, he has a big presence in the lineup. We’ll miss that. But we can’t really just sit here and harp on that.” Cora recognized the void created by Devers's departure while framing the situation as an opportunity for other players to step up and contribute. “This is an opportunity for other guys to get at-bats and contribute,” he said.
In an ironic twist coinciding with the news of the trade, Devers led American League designated hitters with 796,382 votes in the first All-Star balloting update released by MLB. However, since the trade moved him to the National League, he will no longer appear on the American League ballot. The current AL DH leader is Ryan O’Hearn of the Orioles, trailing significantly behind Devers’s total.
Upon arriving at the ballpark, Cora was the only management member to address the team following the trade. Players like Walker Buehler and Crochet stated that they didn’t feel the front office owed them an explanation for the trade, highlighting the understanding that such decisions are a part of the business. Duran summarized the overall sentiment of Cora’s message: “We gotta keep going. That’s the bottom line.”
As the team adjusts to the absence of Devers, they remain focused on their collective goal. “It’s just one guy. So we got 25 other guys who were pulling on the same line to win those series, not just one,” Duran remarked, highlighting the importance of teamwork in overcoming this significant change.
The trade of Rafael Devers marks a pivotal moment for the Boston Red Sox as they navigate the complexities of Major League Baseball's business side. While the absence of such a talented player will undoubtedly be felt, the team's resilience and ability to adapt will be critical as they seek to maintain their competitive edge in the American League wild-card race.
