While the Red Sox front office kept reiterating that it was a pure baseball trade, the honest truth is that it was a culture trade. They didn’t believe they could win another championship with Devers. They believed he was the wrong guy to be the centerpiece of the franchise. They didn’t think he would become a leader. So, he is gone.

Red Sox Continue to Linger in Trade Talks as 7-Time All-Star Closer Enters Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Boston Red Sox seem to be leaning towards the potential of younger prospects after trading away franchise star Rafael Devers.

Hours after the Red Sox swept the Yankees on Sunday night, they made their second franchise-changing trade over the last five-plus years.