DEVERS TO THE GIANTS!
The San Francisco Giants acquired infielder Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox for pitchers Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison and Jose Bello, and outfielder James Tibbs.
What does it give the San Francisco Giants
The Giants upgrade their lineup massively with the addition of Devers. He will likely become San Francisco's new designated hitter (or possibly first baseman) with Matt Chapman locked in long term at third base. San Francisco is really committing here with Devers signed through the 2033 season, but he is still a top offensive threat in baseball. In 73 games this season, Devers was hitting .272 with 15 HR and 58 RBI (3rd-most in MLB). On the downside, Devers wanted to play third base in Beantown, which led to problems after the arrival of Alex Bregman. Will he be satisfied in the long run if he has to move off third base again due to the presence of Chapman?
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
It was a complicated season for Devers in Boston, and stunningly they will move on from him. In return, the Red Sox add some depth and versatility to their pitching staff with Harrison (a promising left-hander who is just 23) and Hicks (who is currently injured). But Tibbs is probably the headliner here. An outfielder, he was the 13th overall pick in 2024 and one of San Francisco's best prospects. As for Bello, he was a recent international signing who is only 20 years old. It is not a terrible haul, but it does not come close to the impact of Devers in the short term. As disappointing as it is, dumping his contract likely made this trade more appealing to the Red Sox.
Fantasy impact
Devers should continue to be a top performer in fantasy leagues after this trade. The Giants will rely on his bat for years to come. Harrison and Hicks will not benefit right away from joining a deeper Boston pitching staff. Harrison has more long-term potential, but wait and see how the Red Sox choose to deploy these two. Tibbs is still a ways away from MLB but his progress is worth monitoring in the next few seasons. The trade is also a win in fantasy baseball for young Red Sox players like Kristian Campbell, Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony, as it will free up more at-bats.
