Former Red Sox Xander Bogaerts says Rafael Devers trade was ‘tough to see’


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Boston’s trade of Rafael Deversto to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday surprised many, including former Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts.

At first, Bogaerts, a nine-season Red Sox player and Devers’s six-year colleague, didn’t accept the news.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today shows me on his phone that Rafael Devers traded. “Nope,” I said. Then, Bogaerts told Rob Bradford of WEEI, “I hit Devers up and he got back at me right away.” I realized it was real the instant he told me. Is it true that I texted him? Before everyone began reporting it, he responded, “We didn’t know if it was true or not.”

In December 2022, Bogaerts, 32, agreed to a $282 million, 11-year contract with the San Diego Padres. He acknowledged that there was friction between the two parties in Boston, even though he was on the opposite side of the nation from Devers and the Red Sox.

“We speak a lot,” Bogaerts remarked of Devers. We spent so much time playing together. We spent time together at the field, off the field, and everywhere in between. Beyond the field, we always shared a unique bond. We were in constant communication.

Though I didn’t anticipate any of this, I did have some knowledge.

The Red Sox could have extended Bogaerts’ contract long before San Diego made a huge offer, even if he wasn’t sold to the Padres.After Bogaerts arrived on the West Coast, Alex Speier of the Boston Globes stated that Boston had made him an offer of $160 million.At the time, Peter Abraham of the Globes also stated that Bogaerts was offered more money by other clubs who were interested in the talks.

In February 2020, Bogaerts and Devers also watched the Red Sox trade Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He did not, however, expect the news of the Devers trade.

Regarding both parties, Bogaerts remarked, “I know them because I have been around them for a long time.” The way it all turned out surprised me. Baseball and life both carry on, and they made the choice they desired. They’re both over there, and hopefully they’re both content. However, it was difficult to tell for sure.

Devers’ position move prior to this season is relatable to Bogaerts. Bogaerts’ transition from shortstop to second base for San Diego ahead of 2024 did not cause any public debate. When the organization requested that Bogaerts switch to playing Ha-Seong Kim at shortstop, he complied.

Bogaerts lost almost two months of play because of a fractured left shoulder, although he played 85 games at 2B and 20 at SS.

Bogaerts has played 68 games at shortstop as of Friday, going back to his starting position after Kim signed a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Rays prior to the season.

Bogaerts and Devers both play in the National League West, two and a half years after Bogaerts signed with San Diego.

Starting on August 11, the Padres and Giants will play a three-game series in San Francisco.

Five days after completing their shocking deal, the Giants and Red Sox will play each other in the Bay Area on Friday. At 10:15 p.m. Eastern Time, the first pitch is set to begin.

Boston.com sports producer Kaley Brown covers the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Patriots, and Boston Red Sox.

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Janet Trew

Janet Trew

Janet Trew is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in the industry. Known for her ability to adapt to different styles and formats, she has cultivated a diverse skill set that spans content creation, storytelling, and technical writing. Throughout her career, Janet has worked across various niches, from US news, crime, finance, lifestyle, and health to business and technology, consistently delivering well-researched, engaging, and informative content.

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