Red Sox Decision to Trade Rafael Devers Labeled Biggest Failure of 2025

Kelly acknowledges that Devers should have handled himself more appropriately during his final months in Boston, but then shifts the blame to chief baseball officer Craig Breslow for the downfall of their relationship. 

“A lack of communication from Breslow's front office regarding their pursuit of Alex Bregman and eventual decision to move Devers off third base created a toxic situation,” notes Kelly. “Again, Devers probably should have been willing to try to learn first base when the Red Sox asked him after Triston Casas' season-ending injury. But, it's understandable that Devers grew frustrated with being jerked around by the Red Sox.”

The return Boston received for Devers is also a point of controversy. While prospect James Tibbs III offers excitement, the rest of the package is comprised of a castaway Jordan Hicks, former top prospect Kyle Harrison, and rookie-ball pitcher Jose Bello – not the most notable return for a franchise cornerstone. 

The biggest argument Kelly makes is simple. The Red Sox are not going to find another Rafael Devers, signed to a team-friendly 10-year, $313.5 million deal. And if they do, the cost will be astronomically higher, resulting in the biggest failure of the season.