The Red Sox started winning after trading a star player. Fans still aren't buying it.

Boston shipped out a star player and magically started to win games. Fans of the MLB franchise remain conflicted with their long-term strategy.

It would be neat — and perhaps too neat — to point to the Boston Red Sox’ trade of disgruntled three-time All-Star Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in June as the moment the team turned its season around.

On June 15, the Red Sox agreed to deal Devers to the Giants for two pitchers and two prospects, even though Devers was in only the second season of a 10-year, $315 million extension.

The Red Sox were only 37-36 at the time, in part because of drama with Devers, who was frustrated with the team when it moved him from third base to designated hitter before the season. Devers was angered further when the team tried to move him to first base following an injury, which led to a contentious meeting with the front office.

Since Devers — who signed with Boston as a 16-year-old and eventually played on the 2018 World Series championship team — was shipped out, the vibe of the Red Sox has seemingly shifted. Boston has gone 18-13 after the trade, which includes a 10-game winning streak before the All-Star game.