The Boston Red Sox faced considerable backlash earlier this season for their handling of Rafael Devers, and that criticism has only intensified following his trade to the San Francisco Giants nearly a month ago. Now, one anonymous MLB executive has added fuel to the fire, expressing deep concern about how Boston’s front office dealt with the situation—and what it reveals about the organization’s internal culture.
In a conversation with Jayson Stark of The Athletic, the executive didn’t hold back. He emphasized that the Red Sox’s poor communication with Devers stood out as particularly troubling. According to the executive, the mishandling reflected a lack of respect and transparency, which he contrasted sharply with the values of his own organization. “It really made me reflect on how we treat our players—how essential clear communication and mutual respect are to building a strong team culture,” he said. “For us, positivity and open dialogue are part of our DNA. I just can’t imagine handling a cornerstone player that way.”
Devers was officially traded on Sunday, June 18, just after Boston suffered a three-game sweep at home against the Yankees. Despite a modest 39-37 record at the time, the Red Sox front office opted to cut ties with the All-Star third baseman, reportedly feeling he no longer aligned with the direction or standards they envisioned for the team.
The move has sparked a wave of skepticism around the league—not just for the trade itself, but for the apparent lack of clarity and respect shown to a longtime franchise player. For many, it’s raised larger questions about the Red Sox’s leadership approach and how that might impact future free agents or homegrown stars considering their long-term futures in Boston.
After trading Rafael Devers, the Red Sox quickly spiraled, falling to a 41-44 record by late June. While they’ve recently managed to climb back above .500—thanks largely to a six-game winning streak against two of MLB’s weakest teams—they would still be on the outside looking in if the postseason began today.
Much of the league’s criticism has centered on the Red Sox’s handling of Devers, who was widely seen as the face of the franchise entering the 2025 season. According to league insiders, the breakdown in communication—particularly regarding the club’s decision to shift him away from third base—was a major factor in the fractured relationship between the organization and the homegrown All-Star, who remained a fan favorite up until the trade.
Questions have since emerged about whether Boston’s treatment of stars like Devers and Mookie Betts could come back to haunt them in free agency. However, there are early signs that top players may still be willing to commit. Veteran infielder Alex Bregman has already expressed a desire to remain with the team long-term, signaling some stability in the clubhouse.
Ultimately, as long as the Red Sox show a willingness to spend and invest in top-tier talent—something that hasn’t always been guaranteed—their recent missteps may not severely impact future roster construction. Still, the front office will need to tread carefully if it hopes to rebuild trust both within the league and with its fan base.