Dodgers Labeled as ‘Losers’ in Rafael Devers Trade

Much of the fallout from the Rafael Devers trade has been centered around the sudden spiral of the Boston Red Sox and the rising juggernaut known as the San Francisco Giants. But beyond those who won and lost this shocking blockbuster firsthand, there are other winners and losers who played no part in the trade.

One could mention the New York Yankees, who were embarrassingly swept by the Boston Red Sox, as a winner. Having Devers leave the division is a reason to celebrate. However, while he will no longer cause trouble in the AL East, he is now the NL West’s problem. As such, writer Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report has labeled the Los Angeles Dodgers a “loser” in this particular deal.

“Let's start with the obvious part of this one: The 2025 San Francisco Giants—who are two games behind the Dodgers in the NL West after Sunday's 5-4 loss—just became a substantially more serious threat to win the division,” he wrote. “The Giants have had arguably the best bullpen in baseball, and the arms they gave up to acquire Devers did nothing to change that.” 

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers (11) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium.

John Jones-Imagn Images

Nipping at the heels of the first-place Dodgers for the division lead, the Giants now have a potent, 30+ home run weapon lurking in their lineup, adding that much more spice to their already heated rivalry. But Miller doesn’t stop there when discussing how much this could affect the Dodgers down the road.

“The less obvious reason the Dodgers are a loser in this deal is because when the Devers/Red Sox drama reached a tipping point and it felt like a trade could be coming this offseason, it was Los Angeles who immediately made sense as a motivated suitor with Max Muncy nearing the end of his contract … Instead of acquiring one of the best hitters out there, they'll have to deal with pitching to him on a regular basis for the next eight years.”

While the Dodgers may have dodged a bullet (no pun intended) when it comes to paying Devers’ salary, bringing him to LA would have built a Dodgers dynasty beyond their wildest dreams. Just imagining a Los Angeles lineup with Devers would have been a dreadful nightmare for opposing pitchers. Even so, having him suit up for their hated rival stings even worse than the thought of losing out on a potential Devers-Dodgers deal.