Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow acknowledged on the conference call that the deal leaves a hole in the lineup, but he hoped it would pay off this season. Although there is a newly created need for a power hitter, the team now has roster and payroll flexibility to add players at the trade deadline, he said.

Former MLB general manager’s take on the Rafael Devers trade: Among the many people to have a take regarding the recent Red Sox trade of Rafael Devers to the Giants, one of the more strident voices also happens to be a former MLB Executive of the Year.