After months of tension between Rafael Devers and the Boston front office, the Red Sox shocked the baseball world by trading their franchise superstar to the San Francisco Giants. The move drew some strong reactions around the league.

Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow acknowledged on a conference call Sunday night 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.

The Red Sox asked Devers to play first base after telling him he’d only be a designated hitter this season. He declined, but first base may be the Giants’ biggest need. Would he have a