Former Red Sox GM Likes Rafael Devers-Giants Trade For Boston

Dan Duquette knows a thing or two because he’s seen a thing or two.

As Red Sox general manager from 1994 to 2002, Duquette acquired many of the players who would go on to help Boston snap the “Curse of the Bambino.” So his perspective on Sunday’s blockbuster Rafael Devers trade is worth a listen.

Duquette talked Monday to TMZ Sports and said the deal sending Devers to the San Francisco Giants is a winner.

“I like the deal for both teams, frankly. That doesn’t happen all the time,” Duquette said.

“From the Red Sox point of view, they’re freeing up $250 million and they got young players coming through their farm system, they should do all right in the long run.”

Duquette’s opinion is worth considering given his history in Boston. He was the man who pulled off the stunning trade with the Montreal Expos to bring Pedro Martinez to the Red Sox. Martinez won two Cy Young Awards in Boston, securing his Hall-of-Fame legacy.

Duquette also signed slugger Manny Ramirez in free agency, giving him a monster eight-year, $160 million contract. Ramirez earned World Series MVP honors in 2004.

Of course, Duquette also had some swings and misses, most notably on Roger Clemens. Duquette let Clemens walk as a free agent following the 1996 season, saying the right-hander was in “the twilight of his career.” At the time, Clemens was a three-time Cy Young Award winner with 192 career wins.

Clemens went on to win another four Cy Young Awards, as well as two World Series titles with the New York Yankees. He ranks third all-time with 4,672 strikeouts and ninth all-time with 354 wins.