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Nearly one year after his controversial trade, Rafael Devers is now the 3rd worst player in MLB
TL;DR
Rafael Devers, after a controversial trade nearly a year ago, is now ranked as the third worst player in MLB. Once a franchise cornerstone, his performance has significantly declined since the trade.
Key points
- Rafael Devers is now the third worst player in MLB.
- He was traded nearly a year ago in a controversial move.
- Expectations were high for his performance after the trade.
MLB
Photo by Ben Hsu/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Nearly a year after one of the most shocking trades in recent MLB history, Rafael Devers is now facing a completely different kind of spotlight.
Once seen as a franchise cornerstone and one of the most consistent hitters in baseball, expectations around Devers were sky-high when he moved teams.
The idea was simple: a fresh start, a new lineup, and continued dominance at the plate. Instead, what has followed is a stretch that few could have predicted, especially for a player of his caliber.
And now, the numbers are telling a story that is hard to ignore.
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
Rafael Devers among MLBâs worst players by WAR in 2026
According to the FanGraphsâ WAR leaderboard, Rafael Devers currently holds the third-worst WAR in Major League Baseball.
Through the early part of the 2026 season, Devers sits at -0.7 WAR, placing him near the very bottom among all qualified players.
That number reflects just how difficult his start has been. His slash line has dropped to .211/.250/.298, while his power production has stalled with only two home runs so far.
Even more concerning is the underlying trend. His strikeout rate has climbed close to 30 percent, while his overall offensive production sits well below league average.
For a player who built his reputation on consistent contact and elite power, it marks a significant shift.
The controversial trade and what has gone wrong since
Deversâ struggles come less than a year after the Boston Red Sox traded him to the San Francisco Giants in a blockbuster deal that stunned the league.
The move was widely criticized at the time. Boston had just signed him to a massive long-term extension, only to deal him shortly after amid internal tensions over his position and role within the team.
Since then, several factors have contributed to his decline. Injuries have played a major role, including hamstring, back, and shoulder issues that have impacted his mechanics and bat speed.
There has also been an adjustment factor. Moving to a more pitcher-friendly ballpark and changing defensive responsibilities has affected his overall comfort and production.
Statistically, the drop-off has been sharp. His OPS has fallen significantly compared to previous seasons, while his bat speed and contact quality have both declined.
But with the season still young, the question is whether this is just a slow start or something far more concerning.
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Q&A
What led to Rafael Devers being ranked as the third worst player in MLB?
Rafael Devers' performance has drastically declined since his trade nearly a year ago, resulting in his current ranking.
What were the expectations for Rafael Devers after his trade?
Expectations were high for Devers to maintain his status as a consistent hitter and franchise cornerstone after his trade.
How has Rafael Devers' performance changed since his trade?
Since the trade, Devers' performance has fallen sharply, leading to his current position among the worst players in the league.
