Red Sox Legend David Ortiz Breaks Silence on Rafael Devers Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Boston Red Sox shocked the baseball world Sunday afternoon when they sent their franchise player, Rafael Devers, to the San Francisco Giants in a blockbuster trade.

Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow acknowledged on the conference call that the deal leaves a hole in the lineup, but he hoped it would pay off this season. Although there is a newly created need for a power hitter, the team now has roster and payroll flexibility to add players at the trade deadline, he said.

Boston executive Craig Breslow addressed the conspiracy theory that Liverpool's transfer spending drove the Red Sox trade of Rafael Devers.

Red Sox’ David Ortiz Sends Clear Message to Rafael Devers After Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Many analysts around the baseball world were stunned when the Red Sox, fresh off a sweep of the Yankees at Fenway Park, traded Rafael Devers, the face of the franchise, to the San Francisco Giants.

While the Red Sox front office kept reiterating that it was a pure baseball trade, the honest truth is that it was a culture trade. They didn’t believe they could win another championship with Devers. They believed he was the wrong guy to be the centerpiece of the franchise. They didn’t think he would become a leader. So, he is gone.

Some of the rationale for trading Rafael Devers is understandable. Most of it falls somewhere between lousy and loathsome.

The Los Angeles Dodgers were urged to counter the San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers trade by acquiring Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette.

With star slugger Rafael Devers being traded to the Giants for four players, the Red Sox optioned pitcher Kyle Harrison to Triple-A.