Mookie Betts Breaks Silence on Red Sox’s Rafael Devers Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

What seemed like many years ago now, the Boston Red Sox decided to trade Mookie Betts. Looking back at that deal, with Alex Verdugo being the headliner, it was arguably the worst trade in Major League Baseball history. Betts is among the premier talents in baseball, and someone the Red Sox could’ve relied on for the following decade before trading him.

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Not only has he gone on to win championships in Los Angeles, but he’s also continued to be one of the top three to five players in the sport.

He was loved by the fan base, too, making the decision that much worse.

Instead of trying to fix that mistake, the Red Sox decided to add to their list. They traded Rafael Devers over the weekend in a deal with the San Francisco Giants for a package that made absolutely no sense.

Jul 7, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) celebrates with third baseman Rafael Devers (11) after the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.Raj Mehta-Imagn Images

When asked about the Red Sox’s decision, Betts admitted that he thought it was “crazy,” but didn’t have anything else to say. He actually praised the Red Sox front office, a surprising comment given their recent actions.

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“I just thought it was crazy. Nothing really to say, it’s just crazy,” Betts said, per Dodgers Nation. “They care. They want to win. Those guys over there are doing a great job of putting a team together and obviously, they want to win.”

Betts is a much better player than Devers, and that isn’t a knock on the All-Star third baseman, but more so a compliment for Betts, who has done nothing but play at an elite level throughout his career.

Related: Red Sox Alex Cora Refutes Wild Rafael Devers Report

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are undeniably one of the most popular MLB teams internationally. With the MLB All-Star coming, superstar Shohei Ohtani topped the National League in fan voting with more than 1.4 million ballots going his way.

Shohei Ohtani Paces the NL in Record-Setting Numbers

Ohtani, who is already a celebrity in Japan and the U.S., continues to prove why he’s loved by both local and international fans. Even without pitching this year, his ability at the plate is putting him on par with the game’s best. The three-time MVP is already pacing the National League in home runs (25), slugging percentage (.643), and OPS (1.039).

According to Sports Illustrated, his reign does not end there. Ohtani also leads the league in extra-base hits with 42, total bases with 182, and OPS+ at 190, which means he is hitting 90% better than a qualified MLB hitter. All these numbers make it almost impossible to dispute his spot on this year’s Midsummer Classic.

Read more: David Ortiz Breaks Silence After Red Sox Trade Rafael Devers to San Francisco Giants

Dodgers Overflowing the All-Star Ballot

As Ohtani leads the Dodgers’ All-Star push, however, he’s not alone. Freddie Freeman stands as the leading vote-getter among first basemen, demonstrating his customary dependability at the plate and in the field. Will Smith, the franchise’s top catcher, tops all NL catchers in voting. This is evidence of his ascension to MLB’s top backstops.

Out in the outfield, Teoscar Hernández is cruising to the third-most votes among National League outfielders, setting him up for a probable All-Star selection.

Outside of the leaders, some Dodgers are close enough to make it happen, including Max Muncy, who is second at third base, and Mookie Betts, who is also No. 2 at shortstop. Tommy Edman, meanwhile, trails by a hair at second base with the second-most votes.

If all falls into place, the Dodgers might see seven or more players at the 2025 All-Star Game.

Aaron Judge Leads MLB, But Ohtani Closes In

Despite leading the National League, Ohtani trails Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees slugger, for the title of overall top vote-getter in MLB. Judge currently boasts more than 1.5 million votes, but Ohtani’s fan support continues to surge and could still close the gap before the June 26 deadline.

With Ohtani as one of the top MLB All-Stars, expect that your Shohei MVP bobblehead’s value will shoot up (in case you have one).

Rafael Devers embraces fresh start with Giants (Getty Images)

All smiles and high hopes: Rafael Devers arrives in style for Giants debut after Red Sox trade

Rafael Devers has officially embarked on a new chapter in his MLB journey. After being traded by the Boston Red Sox, the three-time All-Star was all smiles as he stepped into Oracle Park for the first time as a San Francisco Giant. His arrival on Sunday was met with enthusiasm from fans and the organization alike, signaling just how much anticipation surrounds the slugger’s next move.In true Bay Area style, the Giants gave Devers a hero’s welcome. Smoke machines blasted as he entered the stadium, and the crowd erupted with cheers, creating an electric scene fit for a franchise-changing acquisition. One standout moment saw Devers waving joyfully to the fans, a wide grin stretched across his face, perfectly capturing the excitement of the moment.Devers’ arrival comes with high expectations, and understandably so. The Giants took on the massive responsibility of his contract — nearly $250 million still owed — signaling their belief in him as a long-term cornerstone. For a team in need of a power-hitting lefty presence, Devers fills a gap that has lingered in San Francisco’s lineup for years.Despite the fresh start, the transition hasn’t been without noise.The Red Sox organization appeared eager to part ways with the 28-year-old, with some voices tied to Boston taking subtle jabs at Devers following his departure. Whether that stemmed from lingering contract disputes or locker room tensions is unclear, but Devers seems focused on what lies ahead rather than what’s behind.Statistically, Devers has delivered in 2025. He’s currently slashing .272/.401/.504 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs — numbers that point to both consistency and power. The Giants are banking on that kind of production to spark their offense and drive a playoff push.As Devers settles into San Francisco, all eyes will be on how he leads this next phase of his career. One thing is certain: the smile he wore at Oracle Park was more than just for the cameras — it was a symbol of a fresh start and a future filled with promise.Also Read: Two-time World Series champ takes bold stand against Donald Trump’s immigration policy amid California protests

Mookie Betts’ bold reaction to Rafael Devers trade exposes deeper problem inside Red Sox culture (Image via Getty)

Mookie Betts Speaks on Rafael Devers Trade That Feels Too Familiar

Rafael Devers traded after offseason position change and contract drama

Something major just occurred in Major League Baseball that is especially discussed with Los Angeles Dodgers player Mookie Betts. The Boston Red Sox made a move on Sunday, June 16, 2025, that feels quite familiar. The San Francisco Giants dealt one of their best hitters, Rafael Devers. The news stunned supporters as well as brought many back to the 2020 moment when Betts himself was dealt away from Boston. Betts is now speaking up and it seems he thinks history is repeating itself in a manner that is very close to home.After Boston’s surprising trade of Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on June 16, 2025, Mookie Betts didn’t stay quiet. Betts, who was sent from Boston to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020, shared his reaction with The Athletic. “I just thought it was crazy. Nothing more really to say, it’s just crazy,” he said.The Red Sox will receive pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison, along with two minor league players, James Tibbs and Jose Bello. The Giants also agreed to take on Devers’ full contract — a deal worth $254.5 million over the next eight seasons.Fans quickly connected this moment to Betts’ own exit from Boston five years ago. Back then, the Red Sox traded Betts and David Price to the Dodgers. In return, Boston got Alex Verdugo, Connor Wong, and Jeter Downs. Since then, the team has lost many of its 2018 World Series stars, and Betts thinks Devers’ trade is just another part of that story.Third baseman Rafael Devers had played his entire MLB career. But Boston hired Alex Bregman, also a third baseman, for $120 million in the 2024 offseason, therefore altering everything. That move reportedly caused tension, though Devers never publicly asked for a trade.Also Read: Red Sox Slammed For Rafael Devers Trade After Zoom Call Turns Ugly Behind Scenes Still, it led to Sunday’s big move, sending Devers to the Giants, where he will now play in the same division as Mookie Betts. Devers has been one of the top hitters in 2025, with a .271 batting average and 55 walks.Betts ended his thoughts by saying, “I’ll see him real soon, and I’ll be laughing and joking with him like I always do.”

Mookie Betts Reflects on the Unthinkable Trade

In the world of Major League Baseball, few moments resonate as deeply as the trading of a cherished teammate. Mookie Betts, a former star of the Boston Red Sox, recently expressed his heartfelt surprise and disbelief regarding the decision to trade Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. This move, which has sent shockwaves through the Red Sox community, highlights the emotional ties players form and the impact of roster changes in professional sports.

The Bond Between Teammates

Mookie Betts, who has carved his own legacy in baseball, played alongside Devers during some of the most memorable seasons in Red Sox history. Their camaraderie on and off the field has become emblematic of the team’s spirit. Betts’ reaction to the trade encapsulates the emotional weight such decisions carry—not just for the players involved but for the fans and the entire organization. “It’s just crazy,” he remarked, reflecting the disbelief shared by many who witnessed Devers’ rise as one of the league’s most promising talents.

Rafael Devers: A Rising Star

Rafael Devers has become a cornerstone of the Red Sox lineup since his debut. Known for his powerful bat and charismatic presence, he quickly endeared himself to fans and teammates alike. The decision to part ways with a player of his caliber raises questions about the future direction of the franchise. Devers’ potential and performance have made him a key figure in the league, and his departure marks the end of an era for Boston.

The Impact on the Red Sox

The trade signifies a pivotal moment for the Red Sox, who are navigating a transitional phase. As they reassess their roster and strategy, the loss of Devers may alter their competitive landscape. Betts’ emotional response serves as a reminder that behind the business decisions are real people whose lives are affected by these changes. The bond forged through shared struggles and victories cannot be easily replaced, leaving fans to ponder what this means for the team’s future.

Looking Forward

As the dust settles from this significant trade, the implications for both Devers and the Red Sox remain to be seen. For Betts, the memories of playing alongside Devers will linger, serving as a reminder of the fleeting nature of professional sports. The emotional weight of such a move underscores the complexities of team dynamics and the challenges faced by organizations in pursuing success.

In the grand tapestry of baseball, trades like these are often necessary, yet they can feel like a personal loss to those involved. As Mookie Betts reflects on this unexpected turn of events, it becomes clear that the heart of the game lies not just in statistics and wins, but in the relationships built along the way. The future may hold new opportunities for both Devers and the Red Sox, but the echoes of their shared journey will resonate for years to come.