Red Sox Trade Rafael Devers to Giants in Blockbuster Deal
BOSTON, MA – June 15, 2025: In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball, the Boston Red Sox have traded star slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison, right-handed pitcher Jordan Hicks, outfield prospect James Tibbs III, and minor league right-hander Jose Bello.
The trade, finalized just six weeks before the July 31 trade deadline and moments before the Giants’ Sunday game against the Dodgers, marks one of the most significant midseason deals in recent Red Sox history. Devers, 28, was the last remaining player from Boston’s 2018 World Series championship roster and had become the face of the franchise after signing a 10-year, $313.5 million extension in 2023. In his final game with Boston, Devers hit his 15th home run of the season and reached his 500th career extra-base hit, helping the Red Sox complete a three-game sweep of the Yankees.
The Giants, who are in the thick of the National League playoff race and just one game behind the division leaders, made the move to bolster their lineup after injuries and inconsistent offense hampered their season. Devers is expected to split time between third base and designated hitter, especially with Giants third baseman Matt Chapman sidelined by a hand injury. Giants shortstop Willy Adames captured the mood in San Francisco, telling ESPN, “Everyone’s so excited… He’s one of the top hitters in the game, and his presence will certainly help us make an impact in the division”.
Boston, meanwhile, receives a package headlined by Harrison, a 23-year-old lefty and former top prospect who has spent time both in the Giants’ rotation and bullpen this season, and Hicks, a hard-throwing right-hander who has struggled as a starter but brings bullpen experience. Tibbs III, the Giants’ No. 4 prospect and a 2024 first-round pick, and Bello, a minor league right-hander, add further depth to the Red Sox’s farm system. Harrison has been optioned to Triple-A Worcester as part of the deal.
The trade comes amid reports of a strained relationship between Devers and Red Sox management, stemming from his move off third base after Boston signed Alex Bregman this offseason and his refusal to play first base following an injury to Triston Casas. The Red Sox, now 37-36 and in playoff contention, face scrutiny for parting with their franchise cornerstone, echoing past controversial moves such as the Mookie Betts trade in 2020.
Devers departs Boston with a .272 average, .905 OPS, 15 home runs, and 58 RBIs over 73 games this season, and immediately becomes the most dangerous bat in the Giants’ lineup. The Red Sox and Giants are set to meet in San Francisco later this week, setting the stage for a highly anticipated reunion as both teams push for the postseason.