Alex Cora supported decision to trade Rafael Devers to Giants

While most Red Sox fans disapproved of Rafael Devers’ shipment from Boston to San Francisco, manager Alex Cora apparently didn’t mind the deal.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Friday that while Devers felt that he was “lied to and betrayed” by the Red Sox, Cora supported the front office’s decision to trade the 28-year-old star.

Cora is in his seventh season managing Boston, joining the team in 2018 during Devers’ second year in the big leagues.

The Red Sox won the World Series that year and, up until this week’s trade, Devers was the lone player remaining from the championship-winning roster.

But even with their storied history together as star player and manager, Cora supported the trade and knew it was time to move on from Devers.

Devers signed with Boston at just 16 years old as the team watched him blossom into the renowned player he is today, but the bumps in the road this season and offseason proved to be too much to move past.

The longtime third baseman had watched his team sign Alex Bregman to a big contract and was asked to forfeit the position and move to the designated hitter spot. 

He reluctantly agreed, but was later asked to play first base after a season-ending injury to Triston Casas, and that’s when bridges were burned.

Cora was already facing a challenge as the team’s manager to stay competitive while also getting reps in for top prospects like Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer.

But with the added difficulties of his superstar being unwilling to learn a new position in order to help the team, Cora seemingly drew the line and became supportive of the decision to trade Devers to the Giants.

Boston and San Francisco begin a three-game series on Friday, when Devers will get to take on his old club.