Rafael Devers Reportedly Felt Like 'Scapegoat' For Red Sox's Struggles Before Trade

Newly minted San Francisco Giants star Rafael Devers thought he was being made a "scapegoat" for the Boston Red Sox's disappointing record, according to MassLive's Chris Cotillo.

"Devers felt like 'he received mixed messages from different voices in the organization,' a source close to him said, and that there was a 'disorganized approach to communicating expectations to their star player,'" Cotillo reported. "As MassLive reported over the weekend, that's what led to a situation that people on both sides described as so 'unsalvageable' and 'untenable' that even an impromptu May 9 meeting with John Henry couldn't save things."

It didn't take long after the three-time All-Star's exit for the Red Sox to get their messaging out there.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported he had been a "malcontent" and "was not the type of person that they wanted to keep around." Franchise legend David Ortiz, who's now a special assistant to Fenway Sports Group, told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic that "sometimes you've got to put your ego aside and understand that once you get paid, you've got to find a way to do what you're told."

Some blame belongs to both parties.

Devers created a massive story when he publicly aired his frustration with moving from third base to designated hitter. Then he made it clear under no uncertain terms he wouldn't play first base despite Triston Casas' season-ending injury putting Boston in a tough spot.

The 28-year-old already got his big contract, so it's not as though another position change would've affected his earnings in any way. That $313.5 million deal also made him a cornerstone of the franchise, which can come with some added responsibility.

Having said all of that, there was an obvious communication breakdown between Devers and the front office led by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.

The fact he's taking practice reps at first base is both petty and understandable to anybody who reached their breaking point with an employer and relished a change of scenery.

Yahoo Sports' Joon Lee reported the problems are much bigger than what happened with Devers, painting a picture of a front office that's "losing cohesion" and a coaching staff that's discouraged with the state of player development.

The Devers trade may not be the last time all of the drama spills out into the open.