BREAKING: Yankees Star Stole the Spotlight — Even as the Team Got Swept by AL East Rival!

The Boston Red Sox just completed their most impressive weekend of the MLB season so far, sweeping their long-time rivals, the New York Yankees, at Fenway Park. The victory brought Boston back over the .500 mark and narrowed their gap in the AL East to 6.5 games. But while the sweep was a major win for the Red Sox, the surprise Rafael Devers trade may have actually made Yankees ace Gerrit Cole the weekend’s biggest winner.

Yes, Cole is currently sidelined — likely through part of 2026 — after undergoing Tommy John surgery. But still, it’s hard to imagine he isn’t quietly celebrating the fact that Devers, one of his toughest personal matchups, is now out of the division and heading to the National League with the San Francisco Giants.

It almost feels like the Red Sox made this trade with Cole’s mental well-being in mind.

Gerrit Cole Wins Big with Devers Out of the AL East

Calling Cole the biggest winner of this blockbuster deal might sound far-fetched, but there’s a case to be made. Sure, the Giants acquired a powerful bat in Devers, though one tied to a massive long-term contract and defensive limitations. The Red Sox, meanwhile, offloaded a disgruntled star who didn’t take kindly to a move into full-time DH duties, and in return got a modest package. But Cole? He now avoids the one hitter who has absolutely dominated him throughout his career.

To say Devers owned Cole is an understatement. In 16 matchups, Devers slashed .350 (14-for-40) with eight home runs and 20 RBIs — eye-popping numbers against any pitcher, let alone one of Cole’s stature. The psychological impact was so real that Cole once intentionally walked Devers with nobody on base.

The Yankees typically play the Red Sox 13 times each regular season, with additional chances in the playoffs. By contrast, they’ll face the Giants just three times a year — and only see Devers again in the World Series. While Boston and San Francisco each had their reasons for making this move, it’s safe to say no one is breathing a bigger sigh of relief than Gerrit Cole. With Devers gone, his ERA might finally get a break.