To the outside baseball world, the Red Sox’s decision to move Rafael Devers seemed sudden, but it might have been the culmination of a longer process than first thought.
According to a thorough new investigation by Boston Globe Red Sox reporter Peter Abraham, the two sides’ relationship started to deteriorate during spring training. Actually, the initial attempts to trade Devers date back a few months as well.
In the end, Boston made a contentious trade with the Giants for the star slugger in return for prospects James Tibbs and Jose Bello, as well as pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison.
However, Abraham claims that discussions with a number of other clubs were necessary before the deal with San Francisco took place. with the initial dispute over whether Devers would be comfortable moving away from third base with the signing of Alex Bregman, the Red Sox reached out to several teams throughout spring training over a possible Devers move.
Devers eventually conceded and assumed the usual position as designated hitter. However, Devers turned down a team request to play first base on May 2, which led to another internal dispute after Triston Casas tore a tendon in his left knee.
Boston management eventually gave the idea of looking into a deal another go.
According to several industry sources, the Sox had discussed Devers with the Padres, Mariners, Cubs, Blue Jays, and Braves prior to finalizing the Giants transaction, Abraham said.
Furthermore, it became increasingly clear that Devers had a falling out with the team leadership.
According to Abraham, Devers gradually distanced himself from the Red Sox’s daily routine while a trade was being explored. He usually arrived at the ballpark shortly before the team’s daily activities began.
Naturally, the 28-year-old three-time All-Star kept up his impressive hitting, finishing with 15 home runs and a.905 OPS before the deal. However, it has been alleged that he repeatedly turned down postgame interviews with NESN, the team’s local TV network. Abraham mentioned that the Red Sox management was frustrated as a result.
Craig Breslow, the chief baseball officer of Boston, finally reached the agreement that was revealed on Sunday following multiple rounds of talks with the Giants. Once thought to be a key member of the Red Sox team for years to come, Devers was fired.
Since 2016, Hayden Bird has been employed at Boston.com as a sports staff writer. He covers every aspect of New England sports.
Sign up for the Today newsletter
Receive all the information you require to begin your day, given directly to your inbox each morning.
