Press Article: Tension Grows Between Rafael Devers and Red Sox Management
By Conor Ryan
May 12, 2025
Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers continues to perform at an elite level despite ongoing friction with team management. Over the weekend, Devers played a crucial role in securing two wins against the Kansas City Royals, batting .583 with a staggering 1.560 OPS. His achievements earned him the American League Player of the Week title, boasting a .476 batting average and driving in eight runs, including two home runs.
Manager Alex Cora praised Devers’ dedication, stating he is "probably the best DH in the American League right now." However, behind the scenes, issues loom large. Devers made headlines with his insistence on not transitioning to first base, a move prompted by Triston Casas’ season-ending injury. This stance has raised eyebrows from Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and sparked speculation about a potential trade.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal has pointed out that dealing Devers might not be far-fetched, especially as his lucrative contract could soon be viewed as a bargain in light of rival players’ contracts. Currently, Devers is owed over $250 million, yet the Red Sox may consider this investment manageable compared to deals for stars like Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Following a recent meeting involving Devers, Breslow, team owner John Henry, and others, the club indicated a desire to clarify expectations and improve team dynamics. Though Devers has remained tight-lipped about the discussions, the current atmosphere is anything but settled.
As Devers maintains an impressive performance, the future of his relationship with the Red Sox remains uncertain, leaving fans to wonder if a pivotal change is on the horizon. Possible discussions may continue as the season progresses, particularly in Detroit later this week.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
