The Rafael Devers trade is already haunting the Red Sox in 2026

Key Points:

• The Boston Red Sox traded slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants last June, hoping to gain key assets and financial flexibility, but the returns have largely underperformed or been squandered.
• The Red Sox started the 2026 season poorly with a 2-7 record, struggling offensively without Devers and Alex Bregman, and have also faced pitching and defensive issues, including costly errors and disappointing performances from new signing Ranger Suarez.
• Key players acquired from the Giants—Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison, James Tibbs, and Jose Bello—have had mixed results, with Hicks and Harrison traded away, Tibbs dealt after just two months, and only Bello remaining in Boston’s system.
• The trade for pitcher Dustin May, acquired by trading Tibbs, did not improve the team, as May posted a 5.40 ERA in limited appearances before leaving via free agency, while Tibbs is excelling in the Dodgers’ minor league system.
• The Devers trade, much like the earlier Mookie Betts deal, is increasingly viewed as a major misstep for the Red Sox, who are still searching for a way out of a disappointing start to the season and a lagging offense.