Frank Christian
The recent trade of Rafael Devers from the Red Sox to the Giants took the baseball world by surprise, as the seasoned Boston hitter makes his way to San Francisco.
This trade is arguably one of the most significant in Major League Baseball this season. Devers is currently showcasing an All-Star level of performance. Even in his role as a designated hitter, he remains pivotal for the team.
Consequently, it’s no wonder fans are trying to understand the situation, even if it leads them to consider some unconventional theories. Below is an exploration of a widely circulated conspiracy theory gaining traction online.
The Devers Trade Conspiracy Theory
While the Devers trade may not have been entirely unexpected, it was still quite shocking for Boston fans to see their leading player and highest earner leave during the season. As supporters and commentators sought to unravel the motivation behind this decision, one theory emerged that connects to an entirely different sport.
Days prior to the Devers trade, news broke that Liverpool was acquiring Florian Wirtz for a club-record transfer fee in the Premier League. The link here is that Fenway Sports Group, the parent company, oversees both the Red Sox and Liverpool F.C.
Some fans speculated that the decision to trade Devers was partially influenced by the need to support the Wirtz deal, and the theory gained popularity when Bill Simmons fueled the conversation on social media.
Hmmmmm… pic.twitter.com/SHnZV5bBom
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) June 16, 2025
Liverpool spends 150m on Florian Wirtz the same week Boston trades Raffy Devers?
time to put the tinfoil hat on
— Anthony Dabbundo (champion of europe) (@AnthonyDabbundo) June 15, 2025
Liverpool and the Red Sox are both owned by Fenway Sports Group.
One of those teams just agreed to pay a record transfer fee (~$150M) for Florian Wirtz. The other just traded Rafael Devers for a bag of peanuts.
— Kendall Baker (@kendallbaker) June 15, 2025
Liverpool put in a 150 Million pound deal to buy Wirtz from Leverkusen and Red Sox just traded away Devers for a bag of chips things that make you go hmmm
— d. (@_312DARIUS) June 15, 2025
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Details of Rafael Devers’ Contract
Devers is in the second year of a 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension, which stands as the largest deal in Red Sox history. It ranks as the 15th largest active contract in MLB, positioned between Gerrit Cole and Trea Turner.
The Giants will assume the full financial responsibility of Devers’ contract as part of this trade, relieving the Red Sox of that obligation.
Florian Wirtz’s Transfer to Liverpool
Liverpool finalized an agreement with Wirtz, who has spent the last six years at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, for a fee of £116 million last week, exceeding $157 million. This transfer fee sets a new record for the club, enhancing a squad that recently claimed the Premier League title.
Fenway Sports Group’s Ownership
Fenway Sports Group initially acquired the Red Sox but has since broadened its portfolio with additional franchises. FSG purchased Liverpool F.C. in 2010 and took ownership of the Penguins in 2021.
Moreover, FSG is also involved in the PGA Tour and owns the Boston Common of TGL, an indoor golf league that recently had its inaugural season.
