Rafael Devers Says He Expected Red Sox Trade, Compares Exit to Mookie Betts Deal

Rafael Devers was not as shocked as others about his sudden trade to the San Francisco Giants.

The infielder and designated hitter was dealt by the Boston Red Sox on Sunday shortly after he had launched a home run to help the team secure a sweep over the rival New York Yankees. While he said he was surprised by the timing of the move, the 28-year-old acknowledged that he knew his days with the team were numbered.

“I was surprised when it happened but I knew it was coming,” Devers said, per Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe. “I know the business of baseball."

He said that the team's surprising trade of star outfielder Mookie Betts back in 2020 "prepared" him for the suddenness of the move.

“I saw it happen with Mookie [Betts] when he got traded," Devers said, per Abraham. "That kind of prepared me for what happened.”

Devers also spoke about how he would have been willing to shift over to first base for the Red Sox but that he desired some time to adapt to the position and then some assurance that he would remain in the spot.

“They wanted me to play first base," Devers said, per Abraham. "I told [Red Sox owner John Henry] they eventually, yes. I could play first base but maybe next year. It was not my fault that players get hurt. I felt like if another player got hurt, they would move me again.”

Devers is a three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and was the last remaining player from Boston's 2018 World Series team. He hit .272/.401/.504 with 15 home runs, 58 RBIs and a league-leading 56 walks for the Red Sox in 73 games prior to the trade. He was slotted in as the team's second hitter in the lineup and played the entirety of the season at designated hitter.

Prior to 2025, Devers had served as the primary third baseman. However, the addition of Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman caused the Red Sox to shift Devers to designated hitter. When first baseman Tristan Casas went down for the season with a knee injury, Devers looked like a prime candidate to shift over.

Instead, Devers pushed back on the move and hoped to remain at designated hitter. He now heads to a Giants team that has Platinum Glove winner Matt Chapman at third base and utility infielder Wilmer Flores currently manning first base.

Devers has been the Giants' designated hitter in his first three games with the franchise but could fill in at either corner throughout the rest of the season.

Regardless of where he plays, San Francisco hopes that Devers can be the power left-handed bat the team has not had since Barry Bonds.

Devers and the Giants will face his old team for the first time Friday with first pitch set for 10 p.m. ET.