A day after the trade, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said he was committed to improving the club for 2025, mentioning Hicks’ role as important for the bullpen. After starting the season in the Giants’ rotation, he was demoted to the bullpen in mid-May. Now he says he’s ready to accept a role in the later innings.

The return Boston received for Devers is also a point of controversy. While prospect James Tibbs III offers excitement, the rest of the package is comprised of a castaway Jordan Hicks, former top prospect Kyle Harrison, and rookie-ball pitcher Jose Bello – not the most notable return for a franchise cornerstone.

The 28-year-old has been on the injury list since early June with toe inflammation, but is set to be activated on Monday.