Rafael Devers Trade: Contract Details and David Ortiz Reaction

When the Boston Red Sox traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on June 15, 2025, it wasn’t just a blockbuster—it was a statement about the direction of two franchises that drew sharp criticism from David Ortiz. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what comes next for the 28-year-old slugger.

Age: 28 (born October 11, 1996) ·
Position: Third baseman / First baseman ·
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 235 lb ·
Bats / Throws: Left / Right ·
2025 Team: San Francisco Giants ·
Career WAR: 28.1 (per Baseball-Reference)

Seven key facts about Rafael Devers at a glance:

What is going on with Rafael Devers?

Trade to San Francisco Giants

• Devers was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants on June 15, 2025, in a deal described by MLB.com (official league source) as a stunning blockbuster.
• The Giants received the left-handed slugger, while Boston landed a package of right-hander Jordan Hicks, left-hander Kyle Harrison, outfield prospect James Tibbs III (the Giants’ No. 4 prospect per MLB.com), and pitching prospect Jose Bello.
• FanGraphs characterized the deal as giving Boston financial flexibility while the Giants added a proven power bat (FanGraphs analysis).

2025 season performance

• Before the trade, Devers posted a .272/.401/.504 slash line with 15 home runs and 58 RBI, good for a .905 OPS (Baseball-Reference).
• His Statcast numbers showed a 92.2 mph average exit velocity and a 51.1% hard-hit rate, though a slight decline in exit velocity compared to previous seasons has been noted.

Injury status

• No significant injury concerns were reported at the time of the trade. Devers was active and playing regularly.

Why did the Boston Red Sox trade Rafael Devers?

Contract considerations

• Devers signed an 11-year, $330 million extension with Boston in January 2023, with an annual average value of $30 million (FanGraphs).
• At the time of the trade, about $250 million and 8.5 years remained on the contract.
• According to Boston.com (local sports outlet), Red Sox sources believed Devers was not meeting the obligations expected of a player on a $313.5 million contract.

Team rebuild strategy

• The Red Sox prioritized payroll flexibility and prospect replenishment, swapping one high-priced star for multiple young assets.
• FanGraphs noted that Boston’s return—Hicks, Harrison, Tibbs, and Bello—gives the organization depth across the roster (FanGraphs).

David Ortiz’s reaction

• Red Sox legend David Ortiz publicly criticized the trade, saying it “wasn’t going to end well” (The Athletic).
• Ortiz later added that fans should “give the club the benefit of the doubt,” but framed the issue as one of ego and maturity, saying players need to put ego aside (Yahoo Sports).

Devers was not meeting the obligations expected of a player on a $313.5 million contract.

— Red Sox sources, via Boston.com

How much does Rafael Devers make a year?

Current contract details

• Devers signed an 11-year, $330 million extension with the Red Sox in January 2023. The contract’s annual average value is $30 million.
• At the time of the trade, about $250 million and 8.5 years remained on the deal (FanGraphs).

Deferred money and guaranteed salary

• The Giants assumed the entirety of Devers’s remaining contract, according to an Instagram post from a baseball trade summary account (tier 3 source).
• It remains unclear whether the Red Sox are paying any portion of the deferred money; no official confirmation has been released.

How the trade affects Devers’s earnings

• Devers will continue to receive his full salary from the Giants. The trade does not reduce his guaranteed money.

What does Devers put in his mouth?

Chewing tobacco or gum?

• Devers is frequently seen chewing something during games, leading to fan speculation.
• Most reports suggest it is either sunflower seeds or gum. There is no official confirmation from Devers or the team.

Sunflower seeds

• Sunflower seeds are a common baseball habit, allowed by MLB rules. No health risks associated with moderate consumption.

Health implications

• If the substance is chewing tobacco, it would be a health concern. However, no evidence supports that claim. The question remains unanswered.

What did David Ortiz say about Devers trade?

Ortiz’s public statement

• David Ortiz told The Athletic that trading Devers “wasn’t going to end well.”
• He expressed disappointment with the direction of the franchise, saying the move signaled a shift away from the core that won the 2018 World Series.

Reaction from fans

• Ortiz’s comments were widely covered by sports media and amplified fan anger. Many Red Sox fans viewed the trade as a betrayal of the team’s commitment to winning.

Impact on team morale

• Internally, the trade may have been motivated by concerns about Devers’s effort, as reported by Boston.com. Ortiz’s public stance adds pressure on the front office.

“It wasn’t going to end well.”

— David Ortiz, via The Athletic

“You’ve got to put your ego aside.”

— David Ortiz, via Yahoo Sports

Rafael Devers Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight

2025 batting statistics

• At the time of the trade: .272/.401/.504, 15 HR, 58 RBI, .905 OPS (Baseball-Reference).
• Career (through 2024): .286/.348/.502, 237 HR, 732 RBI (Baseball-Reference).

Career milestones

• Three-time All-Star (2021, 2022, 2024) and two-time Silver Slugger.
• Won the World Series with Boston in 2018.
• Led the American League in doubles (37) in 2021.

Defensive metrics

• Predominantly a third baseman in Boston, Devers is shifting to first base with the Giants. His defensive metrics at third were below average, making the position change a logical move.

Timeline

• 2017: MLB debut with Boston Red Sox (Baseball-Reference)
• 2018: Won World Series with Red Sox (Baseball-Reference)
• 2021: First All-Star selection, led AL in doubles (37)
• 2022: Second All-Star, finished 12th in MVP voting
• January 2023: Signed 11-year, $330 million extension with Boston (FanGraphs)
• 2024: Third All-Star season
• June 15, 2025: Traded to San Francisco Giants (MLB.com)

Clarity

Confirmed facts

• Devers was traded to the San Francisco Giants on June 15, 2025. (MLB.com)
• He signed an 11-year, $330 million contract in 2023. (FanGraphs)
• David Ortiz criticized the trade. (The Athletic)
• Devers is still owed $250M+ guaranteed. (FanGraphs)

What’s unclear

• Whether the Red Sox are paying any deferred money.
• Exact substance Devers chews during games.
• His long-term defensive position with the Giants.
• Whether the trade was influenced by Devers’s attitude.

Summary

The Rafael Devers trade is a watershed moment for both franchises. For the Red Sox, it’s a bet on youth and financial flexibility that could pay off if the prospects develop. For the Giants, it’s an all-in move on a star who can anchor the lineup. For Devers himself, the change of scenery and move to first base may unlock a new chapter. One thing is certain: the money is enormous, the expectations are high, and David Ortiz won’t be quiet about it. Boston fans must decide: trust the front office’s long-term plan, or hold onto the bitterness of losing a homegrown star who still had so much to give.

For a deeper look at the full breakdown of the deal, including contract specifics and the fallout, check out this Rafael Devers trade details.

Frequently asked questions