Fangraphs Weekly Mail Bags: June 21, 2025

Through most measures, the Rafael Devers trade happened suddenly. This was not informed of his availability in advance, and the Red Sox reportedly did not shop around him. Immediately, it compares to the NBA’s Luka Dončić-Anthony Davis trade, as there are few that are considered as currency in our spoon-driven media landscape, and even the tiniest rumours can surprise deals involving superstars.

However, now that the shock has gone, the traded strip feels like the legendary result that started in March, when the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to play third base without the incumbent. The details of the rift that followed were covered in detail in Fangraphs and elsewhere, so I wouldn’t step in here. Many reports since the deal have described the situation in Boston as untenable, and the damage caused by the relationship between Devers and the team is irreparable. But based on the Red Sox’s initial reaction to the conflict, and then from my point of view, their initial reaction to the conflict and then their constant attempts to reconcile, it seems they have not repaired it very much.

We will address the issues with Devers Trade in this week’s Fangraphs Mailbag. But first, I want to remind everyone that although anyone can submit a question, the mail bag unique to Fanggraphs members. If you don’t have a membership yet and want to continue reading, you can sign up for a membership here. This is the best way to experience the site again and support our staff and brings many other huge benefits. Also, if you want to ask a question to Mailbag for next week, please email me bag@fangraphs.com.