Devers would have had his 10/5 rights kick in by the end of next season, as this was his ninth year in Boston. If they wait past next year, and then decide they want to deal him - by then you are looking at a 30+ year old bat only guy making 30M+ who also has the right to veto any destination he doesn't like. In that regard, although the timing did seem a bit surprising - I do see why they would choose to strike now