A top MLB insider took a blowtorch to the Boston Red Sox organization following the shocking trade of Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants earlier this week, revealing the dysfunction and how there are people in the organization allegedly “plotting against” chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.
In a column detailing behind-the-scenes issues between the franchise and Devers, ESPN’s Jeff Passan referred to the Red Sox as a flawed organization that “still find themselves regularly salving self-inflicted wounds.”
“Chaos is every bit as much the Red Sox’s brand as the Green Monster,” Passan wrote. “The current iteration comes not from the detritus of a long-standing lack of success but an operating philosophy that better resembles plucky mid- and small-market teams than a financial leviathan. The Red Sox are big-market baseball in a funhouse mirror, a distorted reflection of what could be — and should be.”
The divorce between Devers and the Red Sox began in February during spring training when they signed third baseman Alex Bregman. Boston wanted Devers to move off the hot corner, where he’s been one of the worst defenders in baseball. Devers initially refused before acquiescing and becoming the team’s designated hitter.
Tensions boiled over in May after Triston Casas went down with a season-ending knee injury. The Red Sox approached Devers about playing first base and he adamantly said no. He would later criticize Breslow to the media, prompting owner John Henry to fly into Kansas City prior to a series against the Royals for a sit-down conversation with Devers.
Earlier this week, the Red Sox decided they could no longer move forward with Devers on their roster and traded him to the Giants for pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison along with prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello.
Passan also revealed that Breslow has apparently rubbed many people the wrong way within the organization after 50 people were fired in 2024, with the professional scouting department being “gutted.”
“Since the cuts, Breslow’s circle of trust has been small and his reliance on the team’s analytical model heavy, according to sources, leaving some longtime employees embittered. Breslow loyalists fear the consequences of that, with one saying: ‘There are definitely turncoats internally plotting against Bres,'” Passan reports.
Heading into Friday night’s game against Devers and the Giants, the Red Sox are 39-37 and in fourth place in the AL East, five games behind the first-place New York Yankees. The Red Sox are tied for the last AL Wild Card spot.
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