Giants, Red Sox Struggling After Devers Trade

Both teams have scored among the fewest runs in MLB so far this season.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:07pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Boston Red Sox traded star third baseman Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants almost a year ago, and now both teams are struggling mightily at the plate to start the 2026 MLB season. The Giants rank last in baseball in runs scored through April 1, with just 14 runs, while the Red Sox are second-to-last with 17 runs. Some are calling it the 'Curse of Rafael Devers', but the issues likely go beyond just the Devers trade for both teams.

Why it matters

The Giants and Red Sox were both expected to contend for their division titles this season, so the lack of offensive production from both teams is a major concern early on. The Devers trade was a high-profile move, and if the offensive struggles continue, it could raise questions about whether either team got the better end of the deal.

The details

The Giants' lineup has been largely unproductive to start the season, with no player really standing out. The Red Sox, meanwhile, may be missing Devers' bat more than expected, and the loss of Alex Bregman in free agency has also hurt their offense with Caleb Durbin struggling at third base.

  • The Red Sox traded Rafael Devers to the Giants almost a year ago.
  • Through April 1, 2026, the Giants have scored the fewest runs in MLB with 14.
  • Through April 1, 2026, the Red Sox have scored the second-fewest runs in MLB with 17.

The players

Rafael Devers

A star third baseman who was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants almost a year ago.

Caleb Durbin

A player acquired by the Red Sox in a trade, who has struggled at third base to start the 2026 season with no hits yet.

Alex Bregman

A free agent who the Red Sox did not re-sign in the offseason, leaving a hole at third base that has contributed to their offensive struggles.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Curse of Rafael Devers?”

— nugget chef, Baseball account on X

What’s next

If the offensive struggles continue for both the Giants and Red Sox, it will be worth monitoring whether the Devers trade continues to haunt both teams throughout the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Devers trade was a high-profile move, and the early offensive struggles for both the Giants and Red Sox raise questions about whether either team truly benefited from the deal. However, it's still very early in the season, and there are likely other factors contributing to the lack of run production for both clubs.