“Extremely discouraging”: Tom Werner breaks silence on Rafael Devers trade after first base controversy

The decision by the Boston Red Sox to trade Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants surprised many across baseball. Devers was a homegrown star, a three-time All-Star, and one of the most consistent power hitters in the league over the past five seasons.

At 29 and under a long-term contract, he appeared to be part of Boston’s long-term plans. However, months after the move, comments from inside the organization have provided clarity about what led to the split.On Sunday, Red Sox chairman Tom Werner addressed reporters and revisited the situation. While discussing several topics, he spoke directly about the moment that stood out during the season and became a source of frustration within the organization.

Tom Werner explains why Rafael Devers’ refusal to shift to first base became a discouraging moment

In baseball, first base is one of the four bases on the field and a key defensive position. The first baseman handles throws from infielders, records outs on routine plays, and helps stabilize the infield. When Boston’s regular first baseman Triston Casas suffered an injury, the team needed coverage at that spot. According to Werner, the expectation was that Devers would temporarily shift from third base to first to help the roster adjust.

“I don’t like to speak ill of any player. I’d like to say that he’s a wonderful person,” Werner said. His comments acknowledged Devers’ character while addressing the situation from the team’s point of view.

“But, of course, when we had an injury at first base [to Triston Casas] his unwillingness to play that position was extremely discouraging. ... It was a discouraging episode. Just pick up a glove.” Werner’s statement pointed to that specific moment as part of the broader context surrounding the trade.Devers spent his entire major league career in Boston before the move and was part of a World Series winning team. The trade marked the end of his chapter with the Red Sox and the beginning of a new one in San Francisco. Werner’s remarks clarified how the organization viewed the events that unfolded during that stretch of the season.