The San Francisco Giants have acquired three-time All-Star Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox in a headline-grabbing trade that has stunned Major League Baseball.
In exchange for the power-hitting third baseman, the Red Sox received left-handed starter Kyle Harrison, right-hander Jordan Hicks, outfield prospect James Tibbs III, and Rookie League pitcher Jose Bello.
The Giants will assume the remainder of Devers’ contract, which runs through 2033 and is worth over $250 million, according to ESPN.
The deal came together rapidly. San Francisco made the move official on Sunday, moments before Harrison was set to pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Reliever Sean Hjelle was informed shortly before first pitch that he would be taking the mound instead.
“This is something we really needed,” Giants manager Bob Melvin told reporters. “To get a guy like Devers — a power left-handed bat who can go the other way — it fits us perfectly.”
Reports indicate that the Red Sox had received trade enquiries from at least four teams, including the Braves, Padres and Blue Jays.
However, it was the Giants who acted with urgency.
Trade talks are believed to have begun only late last week, with Red Sox manager Alex Cora cancelling a scheduled media appearance on Friday, reportedly due to developments in negotiations.
The move follows Boston’s series sweep of the Yankees, suggesting a strategic shift rather than a reactionary decision.
The departure of Devers — once considered a franchise cornerstone — may mark a reset for the Red Sox as they look ahead.
Devers is expected to debut for the Giants next weekend in a highly anticipated home series against his former club.