Red Sox Staffer Gushes Over ‘Huge Piece’ Of Rafael Devers Trade

The Boston Red Sox have high hopes for a key component of their Rafael Devers return.

On Sunday night, the Red Sox sent Devers to the San Francisco Giants for four players. The package included left-handed pitcher Kyle Harrison, who reported to Triple-A Worcester following the blockbuster.

Red Sox pitching director Justin Willard predicted a bright future for Harrison when speaking to MassLive’s Katie Morrison-O’Day.

“He’s going to be a huge piece for the Red Sox for not only now, but hopefully for the next five-six years,” Willard said. “There’s really big potential here. I’m really excited about the kid.”

Harrison has posted a 4.48 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 182 2/3 innings since making his MLB debut to considerable fanfare in 2023.

The 23-year-old opened the 2025 season in Triple-A, where he stockpiled 38 strikeouts in six starts before rejoining the Giants. After initially working out of the bullpen, Harrison allowed 10 runs in four starts spanning 18 1/3 innings before the trade.

Boston assigned Harrison to the WooSox, but he’s not expected to stay there long. Willard told Morrison-O’Day that they’re planning to spend “a couple of weeks” adjusting his pitching arsenal.

Even with Tanner Houck working his way back to the majors, the Red Sox could eventually find room in their rotation for Harrison. Jordan Hicks, the other big-league pitcher acquired for Devers, is expected to throw a live batting practice on Thursday and join the team as a reliever.

Five years after getting drafted by San Francisco, Harrison is eager to make his mark with a new organization.

“I’m hungry, I’m ready to go,” Harrison said. “I’ve been waiting for my opportunity and hopefully I’ll get a good one here…I’m just really excited to get going on this new journey.”