The post-Rafael Devers Red Sox face the Phillies on July 21, 2025. Can Boston's new roster prove their blockbuster trade was worth it in this litmus test?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a strange new world for Red Sox fans. For the first time in years, the lineup card is posted without the name Rafael Devers, and the hot corner feels a little colder. A month after the franchise-altering trade that sent the team's superstar third baseman to San Francisco, the Red Sox are still finding their footing. Tonight, that new identity gets a major test as they roll into Philadelphia to take on a formidable Phillies squad, looking to prove that this team is more than the sum of its former parts.
The trade marked the end of an era, with Devers being the last member of the 2018 World Series team on the roster.
Let's not bury the lede: the June trade of Rafael Devers to the Giants for two major-league pitchers and two minor-league prospects is the story of this 2025 season. It was a seismic shift, sending a clear message from the front office that the future is now. While painful to see the last link to the 2018 championship team depart, the move offloaded the remaining $254 million on Devers' contract and injected much-needed pitching depth into the organization. The question on everyone's mind is whether the return will be enough to build a new contender around.
The ripple effects of the front office's new direction are visible in the daily roster moves. The latest shuffle sees reliever Isaiah Campbell get the call from Worcester after posting a solid 3.89 ERA and seven saves in Triple-A. He takes the spot of Richard Fitts, who was optioned back down despite recently earning his first big-league win. With Liam Hendriks' transfer to the 60-day IL, opportunities are knocking for arms like Campbell. These aren't headline-grabbing moves, but they are the necessary churn of a team actively re-tooling its roster on the fly under manager Alex Cora.
With the roster context set, all eyes turn to Citizens Bank Park tonight. The 54-47 Red Sox need to make a statement against the 56-43 Phillies. This series is a perfect barometer for Boston's post-Devers grit. Wilyer Abreu (20 HR) and Trevor Story (15 HR, 58 RBI) must provide the middle-of-the-order thump, while Ceddanne Rafaela's dynamic play will be crucial. They'll have their hands full against a potent Phillies lineup featuring Kyle Schwarber's 32 homers and Trea Turner's all-around excellence. This isn't just another series; it's a chance to show the league that Boston baseball is still a force to be reckoned with.
Tonight's game is the first of three against the Phillies, but it represents something much larger. It's the next chapter in a season defined by a blockbuster decision. Can this collection of veterans and hungry young players, led by Alex Cora, forge a winning path? The road trip to Philly will give us our first real glimpse of the answer.
