A wild new Boston Red Sox rumor claims that when the front office wanted to explain the reasoning behind the Rafael Devers trade, the locker room didn’t need it.
“Rafael Devers was playing for himself, and himself only,” former Red Sox star Jonathan Papelbon said on the “Foul Territory Show.” “And I think the players said it best. They were asked about it. [President] Sam Kennedy and [General Manager] Craig Breslow came into the clubhouse in Seattle and wanted to give the team an explanation. And everybody on the team said, ‘We don’t need an explanation. Let’s roll. Let’s go on with the show.’
“That to me speaks volumes. You don’t rebuke the man who signs your checks. It’s pretty simple. When you make that kind of money, you’re willing to do whatever it takes to help your team.”
Rafael Devers was the undisputed top star in Boston. It is why the team gave him a 10-year, $313 million contract extension two years ago. However, the three-time All-Star quickly wore out his welcome this year. First, he declined a request to move from third base to designated hitter. Then, after eventually accepting the move, he refused a move to first base when Tristan Casas suffered a season-ending injury last month.
The trade this week that sent Devers to the San Francisco Giants has divided many around the organization. The nine-year veteran is now the third homegrown All-Star the organization either traded or let walk in free agency over the last five years.
More Boston Red Sox news and rumors:
- David Ortiz blames Rafael Devers and his ‘immaturity’ for end of relationship with Red Sox
- Red Sox fans won’t like this: Rafael Devers says he’ll play anywhere for Giants
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