Red Sox Haunted by Near Devers Trade as Giants Pursue Star

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 28th 2026 at 21:00 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Massachusetts, California, UNITED STATES

Red Sox's Near Miss with Devers Trade Haunts Team as Giants Loom

The Boston Red Sox are finding their past choices under renewed scrutiny as the contract situation surrounding star third baseman Rafael Devers becomes increasingly complex. A near-disastrous trade decision from years prior - almost sending Devers to the Chicago Cubs - is now a stark reminder of what could have been, and is being amplified by reported interest from the San Francisco Giants. As Devers prepares to potentially test free agency after the 2023 season, the Red Sox's past misstep looms large, raising serious questions about their long-term strategy and ability to keep a franchise cornerstone.

According to reports from WEEI's Rob Bradford, the potential trade of Devers to the Cubs wasn't a carefully considered baseball decision, but rather the result of a significant internal miscommunication. Details remain somewhat sparse, but the narrative suggests a situation where the wheels were set in motion for a deal that, thankfully, was caught before being finalized. Imagine a Boston Red Sox lineup without Rafael Devers - a truly unsettling thought for many fans. This wasn't a case of exploring options; it was reportedly an error waiting to happen, a testament to the critical importance of clear communication and diligence within a front office.

Now, fast forward to 2026. Devers is a proven All-Star, consistently delivering at the plate and anchoring the Red Sox's lineup. His offensive production is a key component of their success, and his presence provides a valuable spark to the team's identity. However, Devers exercised his opt-out clause after the 2023 season, creating a period of uncertainty. While the Red Sox engaged in contract talks, a long-term agreement hasn't materialized, and the Giants have emerged as a potential suitor. The Giants, known for their aggressive pursuit of top-tier talent, possess both the financial resources and organizational need at third base to make a serious run at Devers.

This is where the ghosts of the almost-trade to the Cubs begin to truly haunt the Red Sox. Had they gone through with that deal years ago, they wouldn't be facing this current predicament. The potential loss of Devers now feels less like a standard free agency negotiation and more like a self-inflicted wound. It's a harsh lesson in the value of recognizing and retaining star power, and the consequences of letting ego or internal issues dictate personnel decisions.

The situation also forces a broader examination of the Red Sox's overall organizational philosophy. Have they consistently prioritized building around core players, or have they been prone to short-sighted decisions driven by cost-cutting or attempts at quick fixes? The Devers saga suggests a pattern of potentially jeopardizing long-term success for short-term gains. For a team with a history of success, the risk of losing a player like Devers is particularly damaging to their reputation and their fan base. The club needs to demonstrate a commitment to building a sustainable winning culture, and re-signing Devers is paramount to achieving that goal.

The Giants, on the other hand, are in a different position. They've been actively rebuilding and are looking for players to build around. Devers would instantly become the face of their franchise and provide a significant boost to their offensive capabilities. While the competition for his services could be fierce, the Giants are well-positioned to make a compelling offer and lure Devers to the West Coast. They may even be willing to offer a contract that the Red Sox are hesitant to match, further complicating the situation.

The coming months will be critical for both teams. The Red Sox must decide how far they are willing to go to keep Devers, while the Giants will continue to position themselves as an attractive destination. The near-trade blunder of years past will undoubtedly serve as a constant reminder for the Red Sox - a painful lesson in the importance of recognizing and holding onto true stars. The potential departure of Devers would not just be a loss of a great player, but a symbol of a franchise failing to learn from its mistakes.