After trading Rafael Devers, here's how the Red Sox's 2025 CBT payroll looks
The Boston Red Sox made a huge trade on June 15, 2025, sending star player Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. This significant move altered their team's and financial plans for 2025. By trading Devers’ expensive contract, the Red Sox now have more room to spend. Let’s look at how this trade affects their 2025 payroll and what’s next.
Red Sox trade Rafael Devers and gained payroll flexibilityBoston traded Rafael Devers, their key third baseman and hitter, to the Giants in a surprising deal. They got pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison, plus prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello. The Giants took all $271.153 million left on Devers’ 10-year, $313.5 million contract, which started in 2024. Boston only paid $42.347 million, including $12.847 million this year. Devers’ contract added $29 million each year to Boston’s payroll for the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT).
After the trade, Boston’s 2025 CBT payroll is now about $232 million, just under the $241 million limit, a team source said. This leaves the Red Sox with additional funds to use in the future, particularly in 2026 and after. They have intentions to acquire players before the trade deadline that may have their payroll exceed $241 million by the end of 2025. This trade helps them plan for big moves in the future.
Also Read: "All time overhyped prospect": Yankees fans lose patience with Jasson Dominguez after embarrassing mistake against Red Sox
What the trade means for Boston Red Sox’s 2025 rosterThis trade brings new players to Boston, but it also changes their team plans. Jordan Hicks, part of the trade, has $32.056 million left on his four-year, $44 million contract. His 2025 CBT cost is about $6.2 million, then $11 million each year for 2026 and 2027. Kyle Harrison, sent to Triple-A Worcester, doesn’t add much to the payroll yet but could help the pitching staff later. Prospects Tibbs and Bello won’t cost much now since they’re not in the major leagues.
Boston has been good, with eight wins in their last 10 games, but losing Devers at the plate will be a setback. In 2025, he hit .272 and also smashed 15 homers. Young players like Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer need to step up. With Alex Bregman leaving after 2025, Boston might use the money saved from Devers to sign new players. This trade sets them up for a busy offseason to keep competing.
Red Sox trade Rafael Devers and gained payroll flexibilityBoston traded Rafael Devers, their key third baseman and hitter, to the Giants in a surprising deal. They got pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison, plus prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello. The Giants took all $271.153 million left on Devers’ 10-year, $313.5 million contract, which started in 2024. Boston only paid $42.347 million, including $12.847 million this year. Devers’ contract added $29 million each year to Boston’s payroll for the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT).
After the trade, Boston’s 2025 CBT payroll is now about $232 million, just under the $241 million limit, a team source said. This leaves the Red Sox with additional funds to use in the future, particularly in 2026 and after. They have intentions to acquire players before the trade deadline that may have their payroll exceed $241 million by the end of 2025. This trade helps them plan for big moves in the future.
Also Read: "All time overhyped prospect": Yankees fans lose patience with Jasson Dominguez after embarrassing mistake against Red Sox
What the trade means for Boston Red Sox’s 2025 rosterThis trade brings new players to Boston, but it also changes their team plans. Jordan Hicks, part of the trade, has $32.056 million left on his four-year, $44 million contract. His 2025 CBT cost is about $6.2 million, then $11 million each year for 2026 and 2027. Kyle Harrison, sent to Triple-A Worcester, doesn’t add much to the payroll yet but could help the pitching staff later. Prospects Tibbs and Bello won’t cost much now since they’re not in the major leagues.
Boston has been good, with eight wins in their last 10 games, but losing Devers at the plate will be a setback. In 2025, he hit .272 and also smashed 15 homers. Young players like Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer need to step up. With Alex Bregman leaving after 2025, Boston might use the money saved from Devers to sign new players. This trade sets them up for a busy offseason to keep competing.
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