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Blockbuster Mid-June MLB Trade: Giants Land Rafael Devers from Red Sox
Blockbuster trades in mid-June are nearly unheard of in Major League Baseball—especially when they involve two iconic, competitive franchises still chasing postseason dreams.
That’s why the Boston Red Sox trading star third baseman Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants isn’t just surprising—it’s a franchise-altering move with ripple effects that could shape both organizations for the next decade. The deal immediately reshapes the playoff outlook for both clubs with over 90 games remaining this season.
Here’s a breakdown of the key winners and losers in what may be the most impactful early-season trade since Mike Piazza was dealt from the Dodgers in May 1998.
Winners
San Francisco Giants
The Giants have long struggled to land marquee talent in trades or free agency, missing out on names like Jon Lester, Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Carlos Correa (due to a failed physical). This time, they succeeded in landing a true superstar.
Devers, a two-time Silver Slugger and one of MLB’s premier left-handed hitters, is under contract through 2032, with approximately $250 million remaining on his deal. For a player averaging 32 home runs and an .873 OPS over the past four seasons, that’s a price the Giants were more than willing to pay.
While they surrendered top pitching prospect Kyle Harrison, inconsistent starter Jordan Hicks, and 2024 first-round pick James Tibbs, those assets are ultimately replaceable. Landing a superstar bat in San Francisco has proven nearly impossible in recent years—but now, the Giants have their man.
Buster Posey
Since transitioning from the field to the front office, former Giants legend Buster Posey has quickly demonstrated bold leadership. His involvement in securing Devers is a major win for his front-office résumé.
Posey helped solve the Giants’ long-standing search for a middle-of-the-order slugger and further solidified his standing with the San Francisco fanbase. With this move, he may have just helped push the team back into legitimate World Series contention.
Willy Adames
Adames, who has struggled offensively since moving to San Francisco, now benefits immensely from the arrival of Devers. With less pressure to be the lineup’s centerpiece and better lineup protection around him, Adames should see improved offensive opportunities going forward.
Alex Bregman
Bregman’s arrival in Boston was the spark that ignited this entire sequence. His lucrative three-year, $120 million contract—with opt-outs—created the positional logjam that ultimately pushed Devers out.
Since joining the Red Sox, Bregman has thrived, posting 11 home runs and a .938 OPS in just 51 games, although a quad injury will sideline him until later this month. Now, Boston has both the financial flexibility and the urgency to lock Bregman up long-term—likely at a premium price.
Rafael Devers
Despite internal friction this season—centered around potential position changes to first base or designated hitter—Devers has been a consistent offensive force. His .905 OPS and 15 home runs this season proved his value.
In San Francisco, Devers has the opportunity for a fresh start, especially with Matt Chapman sidelined until the All-Star break. The Giants could explore moving Devers to DH or even first base in the long term, though such flexibility may sting the Red Sox, who struggled to convince him of the same. The choice now lies with Devers.
Losers
Boston Red Sox
Losing a franchise-caliber hitter is always difficult. Devers wasn’t just a star; he was the kind of power hitter who could be penciled in for 30+ home runs every season. Players like that are not easily replaced, no matter how deep the prospect pool.
Boston now faces a difficult period of transition, hoping that its new core can eventually match Devers' production—a tall order in both the short and long term.
Craig Breslow
The second-year Red Sox president of baseball operations will wear this trade, regardless of its outcome. Like his predecessor Chaim Bloom—forever linked to the Mookie Betts trade—Breslow will be tied to the decision to move Devers.
The return package, while solid, doesn’t appear overwhelming for a player of Devers’ caliber. If the prospects don’t develop into significant contributors, this trade could become a long-term blemish on Breslow’s tenure.
Boston’s Young Core: Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell
Boston’s next wave of talent—Anthony, Mayer, and Campbell—now faces heightened expectations. Without Devers anchoring the lineup, the pressure shifts directly onto these young players to lead the Red Sox into the future.
Growing pains are already evident: Anthony struggled to a 1-for-17 start, Mayer’s strikeout rate remains high, and Campbell has cooled significantly after a hot debut. These players may still develop into stars, but the burden on them has increased significantly following Devers’ departure.
Final Thoughts
This trade will be evaluated for years to come. In the short term, the Giants immediately address their need for a power-hitting cornerstone, positioning themselves as legitimate contenders. For the Red Sox, the gamble rests on prospect development and the hope that their young core can rise quickly under added pressure.
Ultimately, the Devers deal will either be seen as a brilliant, aggressive move for San Francisco—or a cautionary tale for Boston about the cost of letting elite talent walk out the door.
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