Red Sox President Sam Kennedy Explains Approach To Rafael Devers Contract Savings
Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy addressed how the organization has handled resources freed up after Rafael Devers’ departure, and he did not mince words.
“You’ve seen the re-allocation in many, many different ways. All the moves that have been made are a reflection of using resources that we’re lucky to have,” Kennedy said on Sunday.
The comments arrive as the Red Sox enter the 2026 season with a reshaped roster that features several notable additions funded in part by the savings from Devers’ contract. Boston locked up young stars like Roman Anthony through 2034, signed Ranger Suarez to a five-year deal, brought in Willson Contreras, and added Sonny Gray on a short-term pact.
Those acquisitions have strengthened both the rotation and lineup in ways that directly address areas where the 2025 club came up short. Kennedy’s remarks serve as a defense of the club’s strategy, emphasizing smart spending over simply replacing one high-profile name with another.
Critics have questioned whether the moves truly upgraded the team’s championship ceiling, but Kennedy pointed to the flexibility the re-allocation has created across multiple roster spots.
The Red Sox now head into spring training with a deeper pitching staff and added offensive depth. Kennedy’s message was simple: the money is being put to work in targeted, effective ways rather than tied up in one long-term commitment.
Fans will get their first real look at the new-look roster when exhibition games begin later this month.