Rafael Devers balked at becoming the Red Sox' DH, and later refused to try out first base. The team worried that would be a dangerous precedent for a roster filled with rookies.

The anecdote serves to illustrate the reputation the pitcher-turned-executive has cultivated in Boston, which traded its best hitter to San Francisco on Sunday.

Red Sox' Aroldis Chapman Makes WBC Announcement Amid Trade Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After signing with the Boston Red Sox on a one-year, $10.75 million contract in 2024, former Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has found a career resurgence, pitching to a 1.55 ERA and notching 12 saves early in the season.

The Yankees suffered their first regular-season series sweep since last July as the Red Sox dominated at Fenway Park, with New York batters hitting just .160 against Boston pitching.