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David Ortiz Takes Swipe at Rafael Devers, Giants After Stunning Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 4:20 PM ET

Longtime Boston Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers now plays for the San Francisco Giants, and Red Sox legend David Ortiz doesn’t envy him one bit.

“I prefer to play in Boston than freezing-(expletive) San Francisco for the next 10 years,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz, who now works as a special assistant to the Red Sox, had plenty to say on Sunday’s unexpected blockbuster. Boston dealt Devers, the face of the franchise and a three-time All-Star, to the Giants on Sunday night for starting pitchers Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks, along with outfield prospect James Tibbs III and pitching prospect Jose Bello.

Speaking candidly with Fox Sports teammate and The Athletic MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, Ortiz said both sides hold responsibility for the relationship breaking down. Devers, a natural third baseman, turned heads in spring training when he refused to move to first base or DH after Alex Bregman’s arrival.

“I think it would be easier, if they pay you that kind of money, to go, ‘[Expletive] it, let’s do it,’” Ortiz said of Devers, who signed a 10-year, $313.5 million extension in January 2023.

“But players’ egos play a big role sometimes,” Ortiz continued, adding, “And guess what? At the end of the day ... you know you did wrong. Once you mature, you understand.”

Devers joins the Giants hitting .272 with 15 home runs, 58 RBI, an AL-high 56 walks, and an impressive .905 OPS. It is unclear if he’ll primarily play DH or first base in San Francisco, as All-Star Matt Chapman is entrenched at the hot corner.

“That’s a message for all young players who think they turn out to be bigger than the game,” Ortiz said. “I’m not saying that Devers was like that. He’s humble. He’s a good kid. But sometimes when you’re young and immature, you (don’t realize that).”

Devers, 28, had not addressed Ortiz’s comments as of publication.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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