When the Boston Red Sox decided to trade Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants, they were aware they would face their former player in just a few days. That matchup came on Friday.
Devers took to the field as a designated hitter but struggled to make an impact, finishing the game 0-for-5 in a 7-5 loss against the Red Sox. Before stepping up to bat, he received a warm ovation from fans, reflecting his previous contributions to the team.
Despite his hitless performance, Devers did have a strong moment when he hit a fly ball towards the left-field wall in the third inning, only to be denied by his former teammate, Ceddane Rafaela. The night ended with Devers striking out against a fastball from Aroldis Chapman, leaving him with a total of three hits in 16 at-bats since joining the Giants.
Before the game, Devers expressed his feelings about reuniting with the Red Sox. While he acknowledged the past and the challenges he faced, he seemed eager to move forward following a public fallout with the team’s management.
As the longest-serving player on the Red Sox, Devers was in the early stages of a massive 10-year, $313.5 million contract. However, tensions grew during spring training when it became evident that the team intended to shift him from third base to make way for newcomer Alex Bregman, recognized for his defensive skills.
Initially, the situation seemed to resolve when Devers agreed to focus on designated hitting, likely a temporary arrangement considering Bregman’s potential opt-out clause at the end of the season. However, frustrations resurfaced when the Red Sox requested Devers to also cover first base following an injury to Triston Casas. He declined, and his candid comments to the media about the situation highlighted the deeper issues between him and the team. This ultimately led to his trade just a month later.
Speaking on Friday, Devers did not delve too deep into past grievances but highlighted his contributions during his time with the Red Sox. During a press meeting, he mentioned, “I would say that I put some good numbers up in Boston, and I think that I do feel that I have earned some respect.” He indicated that if the request to play a different position had come earlier in the spring, he would have been more open to it.
The Red Sox had refrained from asking Devers to take on first base duty while Casas was still healthy, but the exchange of comments signals that the issues between Devers and the organization went beyond a simple request for a position change. The Red Sox management, in their statements following the trade, pointed to a breakdown in communication as a significant factor that contributed to the decision to part ways.
Since joining the Giants, Devers has been preparing for the possibility of playing first base, though he is not expected to debut at that position just yet. Nonetheless, both the Giants and Devers appear committed to making the most of this new chapter in his career.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching how Devers adapts to his new role and whether the change of scenery will revitalize his performance on the field. While he may have left the Red Sox, the impact he had during his tenure remains significant, and his journey with the Giants is just beginning.
