Reporter expands on why Red Sox traded three-time All-Star Rafael Devers

In a shocking move, the Boston Red Sox sent infielder/designated hitter Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday.

On a Monday episode of "SportsCenter," ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan explained why Boston moved on from the 28-year-old slugger. 

"[The Red Sox's model] said that a $250M first baseman/designated hitter who's going to be under contract through his age 36 season, who has also been a malcontent, who has not wanted to switch positions to first base and help out this year, was not the type of person they wanted to keep around," Passan said (h/t Bleacher Report's Zach Bachar).

In free agency, the Red Sox signed 2024 Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120M deal. Devers moved from third to DH, despite hinting at a trade if Bregman played at the hot corner. 

In May, the team asked Devers to switch positions again after first baseman Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury, but he refused. 

"They told me that they didn't want to allow me to play any other position," Devers said, per Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. "And now I think they should do their job essentially hit the market and look for another player [to play first base]. I'm not sure why they want me to be the in between, the way they have me now."

According to Passan, after the DH made the comment, Red Sox owner John Henry, president Sam Kennedy and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow flew to Kansas City, where Boston was playing the Kansas City Royals, to meet with him.

Despite that meeting, Devers didn't play at first, creating even more tension.

Although Devers was being stubborn, trading him is risky for the Red Sox (37-36). In nine seasons with Boston, he made three All-Star Games and won a World Series. Through his first 73 games this season, he slashed .272/.401/.504 with 15 homers, tied for 15th in baseball.

However, the Red Sox clearly felt the Devers situation was a headache and no longer had the patience for it.