Rafael Devers was the latest player from the Boston Red Sox’s 2018 World Series team to get traded as he was sent to the San Francisco Giants in a blockbuster deal. The trade, which stunned the baseball world, involved the Red Sox sending Devers for Jordan Hicks, Jose Bello, James Tibbs III, and Kyle Harrison.
Boston fans might find it surprising when comparing the 2018 World Series-winning roster to the current 2025 squad. Devers, who played third base, was part of a lineup that included Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Andrew Benintendi, Jackie Bradley Jr., and J.D. Martinez, who all contributed to the team’s victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.
On Sunday, one of the last remaining core players from that historic lineup was dealt. Despite his philosophical differences with the Red Sox, Devers had been performing well, hitting .272 with a .905 OPS and 15 home runs. He led the American League in walks with 56 and had played the most games in the majors (73).
Betts, who was traded to the Dodgers, had his thoughts on the trade. He told The Athletic that the trade was ‘crazy,’ expressing that he had nothing further to say about it.
Clayton Kershaw, a Dodgers pitcher, also weighed in on the trade, calling it ‘wild’ during an ESPN segment. He praised Buster Posey, the Giants’ general manager, for making the move, noting that Devers was one of the top 10 hitters in the game at worst and a significant game-changer.
Nearly seven years after their World Series victory, the Red Sox now have a completely different roster. They are currently in a strong position, having swept the New York Yankees and sitting only 6.5 games behind them in the AL East.
The trade marks the latest in a series of changes for the Red Sox, as they continue to rebuild their team amid high expectations and the pressure of maintaining their competitive edge in Major League Baseball.