Orioles' Mike Elias must learn the right lesson from Red Sox's Rafael Devers stunner

Not often does a transaction shock Major League Baseball to its core. Sunday delivered an unbelievable trade that came out of nowhere. The Baltimore Orioles, particularly general manager Mike Elias, should pay close attention to the deal.

The Boston Red Sox traded All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, receiving left-hander Kyle Harrison, right-hander Jordan Hicks, and prospects James Tibbs III (High-A right fielder), and Jose Bello (Rookie level pitcher). Hicks will be the only one to begin his Red Sox career in the majors. Boston announced that Harrison was optioned to Triple-A.

Although Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman is on the injured list, Devers will likely be the Giants' full-time designated hitter upon arrival. He was previously shifted to DH by the Red Sox before the 2025 season.

Nobody anticipated the move, making it one of the most jaw-dropping transactions of the past 25 years. Rarely does a team trade a star player, especially midseason. The Red Sox, a team with playoff aspirations, probably shouldn’t be moving on from its best hitter a month before the All-Star break.

The Orioles also had playoff expectations before the season, and perhaps still do. Baltimore enters the second half of June six games out of a playoff spot. However, the O's should not make a similar trade to the Red Sox's bizarre Devers deal.

The Orioles have several All-Star caliber players whose involvement in a trade would stun the baseball world. Entertaining that thought should not cross the front office's mind, even with this season's disappointment.

No need for Orioles to make a drastic trade like the Red Sox

The Orioles can be sellers in July, but moving Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, or other similar players would be an injustice to the franchise. Elias would have a lot of explaining to do, largely because of the lack of adequate moves he made last offseason.

The next six weeks will probably decide Elias' future with the Orioles. The temperature on his job security is already rising, specifically from a fan's perspective. Trading one of Baltimore's All-Stars would send a message of throwing in the towel on this season and possibly changing the franchise's trajectory.

Whether or not Baltimore reaches the playoffs this season, winning in the postseason next year and beyond should still be the goal. The Orioles have a window to compete with multiple All-Stars on low-budget contracts. Adding the right pieces around the current group rather than flipping it on its head is a good strategy.

The Red Sox are in a better position than the Orioles this season, yet they made a trade that likely worsens their prospects for the rest of 2025. Even if Baltimore is probably missing the playoffs, agreeing to a transaction that undermines the team's momentum would be inconceivable.

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