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Report reveals reason Red Sox traded Rafael Devers
The Boston Red Sox traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in a stunning blockbuster move on Sunday, and it would appear the decision was not strictly a baseball one.
The Red Sox are sending Devers to the Giants in exchange for starting pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison and prospects James Tibbs and Jose Bello. Robert Murray of FanSided was the first to report the news.
According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox did not feel that Devers had lived up to the responsibilities that came along with the 10-year, $315.5M extension the team signed him to in 2023.
Devers got off to a slow start this season after he became a full-time designated hitter. He has since turned things around at the plate and entered Sunday batting .272 with 15 home runs and 58 RBI. Though he remains one of the best hitters in baseball, Devers wore out his welcome in Boston.
The Red Sox moved Devers to DH after they signed third baseman Alex Bregman, who won a Gold Glove Award last season. Devers was openly unhappy about losing his spot in the field and even hinted that he might request a trade.
That tension eventually seemed to subside, but more issues arose after Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury in early May. The injury led to speculation that Devers could be asked to play first base. The Red Sox apparently approached Devers about that, which led to him sounding off on the team's front office.
The relationship between Devers and Boston's front office was never right from the moment the 28-year-old was asked to move to DH. The same may be true of Devers' relationship with Red Sox manager Alex Cora.
The Red Sox swept the New York Yankees over the weekend and have won seven of their last eight games to get back above .500, but they will now proceed without their best power hitter. Perhaps they will look to make more major moves ahead of the trade deadline next month.
More must-reads:
- Brayan Bello delivers a mound gem as Red Sox sweep Yankees
- Yankees’ Jasson Dominguez addresses his costly blunder vs. Red Sox
- The 'MLB active playoff home run leaders' quiz
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Seattle Mariners Set to Promote Triple-A Standout to Big-League Roster
According to multiple reports, the Seattle Mariners are set to promote minor league first baseman Tyler Locklear from Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday. Locklear was removed from the Rainiers game in the fifth inning on Tuesday night, leading to speculation that he was being traded. It no longer appears that that's the case. There's been no indication as to what the corresponding move will be at this time, but there's certainly a few different things potentially in play. Is Luke Raley being traded? After the Mariners acquired Josh Naylor, Raley is no longer needed at first base. That pushes him to the outfield, where the team has clearly favored Dominic Canzone. Raley hasn't started a game since Naylor arrived. He's hitting just .220 this season with four homers, and he also missed more than a month with injury. However, he's under team control through 2028, so he would certainly have appeal to other teams. The Mariners are in the market for relief help and help at third base, so this is possible. Is Raley injured? Some internet sleuths noticed Raley wearing a back brace while the team was in Anaheim over the weekend, leading to speculation that he's hurt. The future of Donovan Solano? With Naylor in the fold, Solano's right-handed hitting first base ability hasn't really been needed. He's only hitting .243 with an 83 OPS+ this season. Is the team prepared to move on from him in order to give Locklear his chance at the backup first base job? And how about Dylan Moore? Keeping Solano and Locklear would seem redundant, but Moore is in a 2-for-56 slump (entering play on Wednesday), leading to speculation about how long he'll be around for. Locklear, 24, made his major league debut last season and hit .156 in 45 at-bats. He's hitting .316 at Tacoma this season with 19 homers and 18 stolen bases. He was just named the PCL's Hitter of the Week.
Jalon Walker’s Mysterious Injury Sparks Unease Among Atlanta Falcons Fans
Training camp is supposed to be a time of optimism for NFL teams, a moment to gauge the potential stars of tomorrow and fine-tune rosters for the regular season. For the Atlanta Falcons, however, the 2025 training camp has come with an air of apprehension. Rookie edge rusher Jalon Walker—widely regarded as one of their most promising young talents—has been mysteriously absent from team drills, leaving fans concerned about the severity of his injury and its potential impact on the season. On one hand, head coach Raheem Morris has reassured reporters that the issue is “not serious.” On the other hand, the team’s lack of transparency and Walker’s conspicuous absence have stoked fears that there may be more to worry about than the coaching staff is letting on. Here’s a closer look at why this situation has Falcons fans nervous, and why Walker’s absence is so significant given Atlanta’s high stakes this season. Jalon Walker’s Potential: A Key For The Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons drafted Jalon Walker in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, betting big on his ability to energize their pass rush. Coming out of the University of Georgia, Walker was praised for his athleticism, explosiveness, and versatility. While he split time between positions in college, Atlanta planned to focus his talents at edge rusher—a role they desperately needed to solidify after struggling to pressure opposing quarterbacks in recent seasons. Walker was touted as a player who could contribute immediately. His blend of size, speed, and raw power made him a natural fit for the Falcons’ defensive scheme. Pairing him with fellow first-round selection James Pearce Jr. and veterans along the defensive line seemed like a recipe for rebuilding a unit that had long been Atlanta’s Achilles’ heel. Simply put, the Falcons need Walker to bridge the gap between potential and production. For a franchise that has invested heavily in improving its front seven, the stakes are high. And that’s precisely why his current absence is causing so much unease. The Injury Mystery Jalon Walker’s training camp has been, at best, stop-and-start. He was seen participating in earlier sessions but has now missed two consecutive practices, relegated to a side field for conditioning work alongside injured linebacker Troy Andersen. The team has offered little in the way of an explanation. Reports have confirmed that Walker isn’t dealing with a major setback, but the lack of specifics has left fans speculating about the long-term implications. Raheem Morris attempted to reassure the fanbase, stating, “It’s not a serious issue.” However, those familiar with NFL injury narratives know better than to take those words at face value. Teams often downplay early injuries only for them to linger into the regular season—or worse, snowball into something that sidelines a player indefinitely. Adding to the anxiety are comments from outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith, who acknowledged the importance of Walker getting back on the field sooner rather than later. “Obviously, we would love for him to get the reps. I’m not a doctor, but he needs the reps,” Smith admitted. It’s a candid reminder that no amount of athletic ability can compensate for a lack of practice when it comes to transitioning from college ball to life in the NFL. Why Walker’s Absence is Significant The timing and nature of Walker’s absence are particularly concerning when considering Atlanta’s broader goals for the season. The Falcons didn’t just use their first-round pick on Walker—they restructured their defensive ambitions around improving the edge rush. After years of ranking near the bottom of the league in sacks and quarterback pressures, the 2025 offseason was all about reversing that trend. Walker is a linchpin in that strategy. A Critical Role in the Pass Rush Without consistent pressure from their edge defenders, the Falcons have often left their secondary exposed, resulting in a cascade of defensive breakdowns. Walker’s role isn’t just one of potential—he’s expected to actively anchor the pass rush alongside Pearce. The duo was billed as the future of Atlanta’s defensive front, tasked with turning around a unit that has long struggled to impose its will on opposing offenses. Missed practices mean missed opportunities to fine-tune his technique and build chemistry with teammates, two things critical for a rookie. The coaches can offer classroom sessions and film study, but on-field reps provide invaluable lessons in timing, angles, and adaptability that can’t be replicated off the gridiron. The Cost of Draft Capital Atlanta’s commitment to boosting its defensive line wasn’t cheap. By trading up in the draft and focusing on edge rushers in early rounds, the Falcons showed they were all-in on reshaping their front seven. Walker embodies this investment. If he isn’t available or fails to develop as planned, the ripple effects could undermine the entire defensive overhaul. A Lesson in Hope and Worry It’s important to note that panic might be premature. Training camp is a long process, and early injuries are sometimes no more than a bump in the road. Walker has shown himself to be a resilient competitor, and the coaching staff has maintained that this is a minor ailment. But the Falcons’ handling of this situation will be critical in easing tensions among the fanbase. Transparency can go a long way in restoring trust. For Jalon Walker, the immediate focus should be on returning to practice without rushing his recovery. The Atlanta Falcons need him to be ready for Week 1 against the division-rival Carolina Panthers, a game that will set the tone for the season. The Road Ahead While it’s too early to press the panic button, the situation serves as a reminder of the fine line NFL team-building walks. The Atlanta Falcons have a golden opportunity to turn the tide defensively this year. Their investments in young, athletic talent like Jalon Walker signal a bright future, but for that future to materialize, player development must align with health and availability. Fans, meanwhile, will continue to hold their breath until Walker is spotted in full pads, explosive as always. And when that moment comes, the nervous energy surrounding his mysterious injury might well transform into optimism.
Oilers to Acquire a Top-Tier Goalie. An Official Trade Offer Is on the Table in a Blockbuster Deal
Ben Roethlisberger Sends Serious Warning About Steelers' Broderick Jones
The 2025 season will be a crucial one for the Pittsburgh Steelers and all of the decision-makers that completely revamped the roster during the offseason. The depth chart looks much different than it did back in 2024, so there will be several adjustments that need to be made. One positional group that looks relatively similar, but has been affected by some reshuffling, is the offensive line. Troy Fautanu is back after an injury-plagued rookie campaign, and Broderick Jones will finally get to play left tackle on a consistent basis for the first time in his professional career. Jones is, without a doubt, one of the most important players in the entire projected starting lineup. Keeping Aaron Rodgers upright will be crucial, and the third-year lineman has not necessarily proven that he can be trusted. He suffered an injury to begin training camp, but is reportedly going to be just fine and return to the field sooner rather than later. No one knows how important it is to have a strong offensive line more than future Hall of Fame quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers' legendary signal-caller never got to play with Jones, but he keeps tabs on the team and shares his thoughts often on his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. On the most recent episode, he highlighted how critical it is so have a good group up front blocking, and he mentioned Jones by name. "I would probably start, as I do a lot of times, about the importance of the offensive line," Roethlisberger began. "I'd say that's the biggest question, and it should be because to me, the line is always the MVP. The way the line plays, run game, pass game, everything revolves around that. More specifically, Broderick Jones, moving now back to left tackle." Training camp hasn't gotten off to a great start for Jones with the injury, but some may be happy that he lost some weight during the 2025 offseason. Roethlisberger said he understands why, but is still concerned. "I've heard he's thinned down, which is good to a certain extent, right," Roethlisberger said. "They want to work on getting tackles out and running the outside zones and stretch plays. So, you got to be a little, you know, more agile, but you know, you also don't want to be too small when you're supposed to be a tackle. So, that's always going to be a concern of mine, is him and the line in general staying healthy." There are some massive edge rushers in the NFL, and Roethlisberger is right in saying that being too small as a tackle can be problematic. Jones will have to go up against Myles Garrett twice in 2025, and the offseason weight loss won't look like a good thing if he is manhandled throughout those matchups. The Steelers' offensive line might be the unit that makes or breaks the team's season. Staying healthy will be the number one priority, but it is almost imperative that the group actually is successful. If edge rushers are constantly bulldozing through Jones, it could be serious cause for concern. It seems as if that it what Roethlisberger has some reservations about. If Jones doesn't perform at a high level in 2025, the 2023 NFL Draft day trade-up in the first round will be looked at as a failure. The organization has to make a decision on Jones' fifth-year option during the 2026 offseason, so the left tackle better hope that some of the weight he had shed ends up helping him significantly, instead of the other way around. Steelers Will Need Entire Offensive Line To Be Elite In 2025 While Jones is going to be the number one scapegoat if things go south, the big men up front will be a huge part of Pittsburgh's offensive failures or successes as the season progresses. Roethlisberger's comments regarding the starting left tackle's offseason will certainly cause a little bit of worry, but the unit as a whole has to prove consistency when the games matter.
1 last-minute trade New York Yankees must complete before 2025 deadline
After a strong start to the season, the New York Yankees have had a rough past few weeks. Now, the team is five games behind the division leading Toronto Blue Jays. The Yankees have already made a couple of moves as the MLB trade deadline approaches. New York GM Brian Cashman traded for infielders Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario. Now, according to a recent report by the New York Post’s Jon Heyman on X (formerly Twitter), the team will focus on improving the bullpen. “Big priority now for Yankees and Mets is bullpen,” posted Heyman on the social media platform this past Saturday. “And many closers/back end guys are available/potentially available: J. Duran, Jax, Bednar, D. Santana, Helsley, P. Maton, Kittredge, Clasé, C. Smith, Halvorsen, S. Wilson, Jansen, Finnegan, Bender, P. Johnson, R. Iglesias.” In the Minnesota Twins and Pittsburgh Pirates, New York has two teams in which they’ve worked out plenty of deals in the past. Both teams are in positions to sell, and each of them have a pair of late-inning arms in which they could move in one or separate deals. In this scenario, the Bronx Bombers should try and get both arms from one team. Whether it’s the Pirates duo of David Bednar and Dennis Santana or the Twins’ Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax, Cashman could fortify another weakness on his squad in one deal. With the Yankees requiring a spark to turn things around, it feels as if the latter duo from Minnesota would be a better fit in the Bronx. Trading for Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax would enhance Yankees bullpen The reason for this is simple: both of the Twins’ relievers have pitched in the postseason. Pittsburgh’s duo has not. Now, that’s not to say that Bednar and Santana couldn’t handle the pressure of October baseball. They certainly could. However, if Cashman and the Yankees brass are going to pay a high price for relievers, shouldn’t it be on ones with postseason experience? Duran would instantly slot in as the team’s closer. Imagine Yankee Stadium with his entrance. The crowd would lose their minds each time he came in to slam the door. Jax would combine with Luke Weaver and Devin Williams to form a very potent late inning trio of arms with the ability to halt any team’s attack. Both of these arms would be excellent additions to the Yankees pen, and it would further lengthen the team’s depth at a team where it is sorely needed. Cashman has also mentioned adding starting pitching, and there is a possibility he could also ask about Joe Ryan. However, if he was included in this deal, it might be too high a cost for Cashman to pay at this time. In a deal for Duran and Jax, it would take at least two to three quality prospects. Arms like Ben Hess and Bryce Cunningham would certainly be discussed. Outfielder Everson Pereira, who has struggled to break in at Yankee Stadium, could also be an intriguing fit. Shortstop Roderick Arias would also likely interest Minnesota. Let’s say the package for Duran and Jax includes Hess, Pereira and Arias. A fourth piece would likely be needed as well, but it would likely be another name besides Cunningham. Yes, they would likely be more expensive that Bednar and Santana. Yet, the Yankees need to remember something: they are the New York Yankees. They’ve won 28 World Series titles. They’d like to win their 29th, preferably this season. It’s time to go all in. Building a super bullpen with Duran, Jax, Weaver and Williams would be a good place to start.
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