MLB Exec Reportedly Asked If Rafael Devers Trade Was 'Real' After Red Sox-Giants Deal

The Boston Red Sox shocked the baseball world on Sunday when they sent Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, and the surprise wasn't limited to just fans.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, one executive couldn't believe the news.

“Is this trade real?” one American League executive said. “Whoa!”

In return, the Red Sox received pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison plus prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello.

The trade came after months of back and forth between Devers and the coaching staff regarding his position. He expressed his disinterest in moving to designated hitter from third base ahead of the Alex Bregman trade, but ultimately settled into his new position.

Once he was comfortable at designated hitter, the team asked him in May to move to first base following a season-ending injury to Triston Casas. That request didn't sit well with him.

Given the dispute, a split between Devers and the Red Sox seemed like a possibility, but it's still surprising that their breakup happened in just the second year of a 10-year contract. The Giants took on the remaining $250 million-plus on his deal, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

“It’s crazy for a team to trade a player in year two of a 10-year deal – and maybe even crazier for another team to take on the entire remainder of that player’s contract, particularly when he’s been so outspoken about what positions he is and isn’t willing to play,” an NL executive said, per Feinsand. “Not to mention the timing of it, which makes it even more surprising. He’s a really good hitter and the Giants can certainly use a bat like him -- everyone can use a bat like him -- but it’s really a stunner.”

As shocking as the trade was, it could end up working out for both teams. The Red Sox could use the money they saved to keep building up a talented roster, while the Giants got a solid hitter to aid their sluggish offense.

Devers, 28, has tallied 15 home runs, 58 RBI and a .272 batting average so far this season.