Does Devers' trade show the Blue Jays were smart in extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr. instead of trading him?

The Red Sox have been all the talk the last few days after sending superstar Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. This move shocked the MLB world, but even more surprising was the underwhelming players the Red Sox received. The return for Devers is proof that the Blue Jays were wise to extend Guerrero Jr. instead of trading him.

The Red Sox received Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison, James Tibbs, and Jose Bello. Tibbs and Bello look like promising prospects, but getting rid of one of the best hitters in MLB, you'd think a team would receive players who are big-league ready.

Does Devers' trade show the Blue Jays were smart in extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr. instead of trading him?

Hicks is currently on the injured list and has a 6.47 ERA, while Harrison, who was slated to start Sunday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers, has a 4.56 ERA. In another surprising move, the Red Sox optioned Harrison to Triple-A Sacramento.

Although Tibbs and Bello look like promising prospects, they aren't at the level that is worthy of Devers. Tibbs was the 13th overall pick in last season's draft, and in Single-A, he's slashed .246/.379/.857 with 41 runs, 12 home runs, and .857.

The confusing part of acquiring Tibbs is why the Red Sox got another outfielder. There's already a logjam in the outfield for the Red Sox. Bello has had up-and-down three minor-league years but hasn't left rookie level. The Giants have to be ecstatic about receiving a star-caliber player in Devers, and it didn't cost them their top prospect, Bryce Eldridge, who may be MLB-ready this season or next.

He addresses a more pressing need than Tibbs does. Eldridge would solve the first baseman hole Tristian Casas left after needing knee surgery, although he's struggled all season, while Tibbs adds to the overcrowded outfield depth.

If this is the going rate for a star player, then the Blue Jays avoided a disappointing return. Yes, the Giants are picking up the remaining 8 1/2 years, $254 million, but that is the only positive of this trade now. In the long term, this could be successful, but fans aren't so optimistic.

Luckily, with the Blue Jays' recent success—winning 13 of 16 games before being swept by the Philadelphia Phillies—the front office should be in buy mode. Vladdy's $500 million contract should be another indication that the team is looking towards pushing for a title this season instead of looking at the future.