The two Red Sox executives suggested Devers's refusal to consider playing play first base after a season-ending injury to Triston Casas in early May fractured his relationship with the organization.

Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and president/CEO Sam Kennedy addressed the media on Monday, more than 24 hours after trading veteran slugger Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in a widely criticized move.

The Red Sox front office insisted the shocking trade of Rafael Devers to the Giants was a “baseball trade” made in the best interest of the team.