Rafael Devers reportedly caused friction with Red Sox over batting practice

New details have emerged regarding the internal friction between Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox prior to his mid-season trade to the San Francisco Giants. Reports from The Athletic indicate that Devers frequently disregarded team protocols during batting practice, specifically by refusing to follow the tradition of allowing veteran players to use the cages first.

This behavior reportedly caused significant tension, leading to instances where veteran players threatened to begin their swings while Devers was still in the cage. Beyond batting practice disputes, Devers' tenure in Boston was marked by reluctance to change defensive positions, including refusing to move off third base or transition to first base to accommodate other roster changes.

Devers, a three-time All-Star, was originally signed to a massive $313.5 million contract intended to make him the face of the franchise. However, the Red Sox ultimately decided to move on from the player, a decision that follows a period of organizational restructuring and the departure of other homegrown stars.