BOSTON – The ball hasn’t even started rolling yet, but the MLB atmosphere has been stirred up after Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers suddenly criticized Sonny Gray to his face, causing social media to explode with a series of comments and controversies. It all started from a recent interview, where Gray is said to have “taunted” his former team, the New York Yankees – where he played in 2017–2018.
And just a few hours after Gray’s statement went viral, Devers – who is known for being quiet and calm – couldn’t hold it in anymore. He made a shocking statement:
“Anyone who forgets where they came from doesn’t deserve respect. I don’t care if you liked it there or not. If you wear that jersey and they gave you a shot, you owe them at least some respect.”
That statement left MLB speechless.
According to sources within the league, Devers wasn’t just aiming for a quote, but for the “lack of gratitude” he’d felt from Gray recently. While Gray didn’t name anyone in the interview, he reportedly mentioned his “not so good” experience with the Yankees, alluding to pressure, media, and team culture – things he said kept him from performing to his potential.
To many, this would be a normal share. But to Devers? Not.
“He’s always believed that baseball is a game of respect – respect for the jersey, the fans, and the opportunity the team has given him,” a Red Sox member said on condition of anonymity. “When Gray said that… Devers felt it was unfair.”
Experts immediately commented:
– A former Yankees player: “Not everyone can handle the pressure in the Bronx. But publicly criticizing a former team? That’s rarely respected in the industry.”
– An MLB Network analyst: “Devers is not a vocal person. The fact that he spoke out shows that this has crossed the line.”
The incident quickly became a main topic on sports talk shows, with millions of views in just a few hours. Loyal Yankees fans immediately sided with Devers, while some Twins fans – Sonny Gray’s current team – defended him, saying “telling the truth is not disrespectful.”
To date, Sonny Gray has not made any comments, which has made the media even more impatient. One Minnesota reporter even wrote:
“If Gray doesn’t respond soon, this story will be entirely Devers’s.”
Many believe Gray will have to hold a press conference to clarify his position—or to address the media crisis that is beginning to spread.
A Red Sox source revealed that Devers has always had great respect for players who can handle the pressure in New York, especially when the Sox and Yankees are longtime rivals. Gray speaking publicly about his negative experience in the Bronx felt “uncalled for” to Devers.
It’s also possible that Devers is sending a broader message:
respect your path to MLB, whether it’s good or bad.
With two heavyweight MLB names embroiled in this controversy, experts believe this won’t be the last fans hear about it. If the Twins face the Red Sox next season, all eyes will be on every swing, every expression, every encounter.
One Yankees fan wrote on X:
“If Sonny Gray needed anyone to remind him to respect pinstripes, Devers has done it for the entire city of New York.”
The drama is just getting started, and whether it’s true or not, one thing is certain:
Rafael Devers has made MLB take notice.
The battle over opinions, respect, and gratitude in baseball has never been more heated.
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