MLB Exec Says 'We Got Our Luka Doncic Trade' After Red Sox Send Devers to Giants

In layman’s terms for basketball fans, the Rafael Devers trade from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants may just be the baseball equivalent of Luka Dončić being shipped to the Los Angeles Lakers at the NBA trade deadline.

At least in the eyes of one MLB insider.

"We got our Luka Dončić trade!" an American League evaluator told The Athletic's Brittany Ghiroli. "It should have happened in spring training, but no one saw it coming now. Our group chat was blowing up."

The trade sent shockwaves through the league, blindsiding fans and executives alike as the Red Sox dealt away their home-grown star of nearly nine seasons, instantly reshaping the team's identity.

However, in this hypothetical comparison, the Dallas Mavericks may have gotten more value in return by landing Anthony Davis, while the Red Sox received pitchers Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks, outfield prospect James Tibbs III and pitching prospect Jose Bello.

While many questioned the trade and the return package, one MLB executive praised the Red Sox for making the move.

“It took some real courage for Boston to do this, but I actually think it is the right long-term decision for the franchise,” an NL exec said, per Ghiroli. “Devers had become an imperfect fit on their roster, and the relationship clearly seems to have soured. Freeing up $250 million AND getting some nice young talent in return is a great deal for them in a vacuum.”

The Red Sox will open their series against the San Francisco Giants on Friday, marking a quick turnaround to face their former franchise cornerstone.