The San Francisco Giants revealed today that newly acquired Rafael Devers will transition to first base in addition to serving as the designated hitter moving forward. During a press conference, the team confirmed that Devers will begin training at first base immediately to prepare for his new defensive responsibility. This development follows his trade from the Boston Red Sox, marking a significant shift in his career. According to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, the Giants are committed to expanding Devers’ role beyond his previous position.
Devers’ Willingness to Adapt to New Position
Rafael Devers expressed openness to playing wherever the Giants need him. Reflecting on the adjustment, he stated,
“I’m here to play wherever they want me to play.”
—Rafael Devers, MLB Player
This readiness contrasts with the situation in Boston, where Devers had been almost exclusively a third baseman despite questions about his defensive capabilities. The shift represents a new chapter for Devers as he embraces a position switch not previously part of his major league experience.
Background on Devers’ Role with the Red Sox
With the Red Sox, Devers was locked in as the regular third baseman, though his defense was often criticized. Over the offseason, Boston was linked to third basemen such as Nolan Arenado and Alex Bregman. Despite these rumors, Red Sox front office members, including chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and manager Álex Cora, initially downplayed any possibility of moving Devers off third base.
Following the signing of Alex Bregman, the Red Sox did not immediately confirm a permanent role change for Devers. Manager Álex Cora lauded Bregman’s defensive talent, stating,
“He’s a Gold Glove third baseman.”
and added,
“He hasn’t played second base in the big leagues. I do believe he can be a Gold Glove second baseman, too.”
—Álex Cora, Boston Red Sox Manager
Devers’ Resistance to Position Changes in Boston
During spring training, Devers remained firm on playing third base. He remarked,
“My position is third base. Whatever it is they want to do is what they want to do. But my position is third base.”
—Rafael Devers, MLB Player
Devers had reportedly been promised long-term stability at third base when he signed his ten-year extension in 2023. Álex Cora, however, downplayed the validity of this assurance, noting it was made under former chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom. Bloom’s departure later that year and Breslow’s arrival as the new CBO preceded growing speculation surrounding Devers’ position.
Shift in Red Sox Plans and Devers’ Frustration
As spring training progressed, it became clear that Bregman would occupy third base, while Devers was shifted toward designated hitter duties. This change reportedly frustrated Devers, who considered requesting a trade but ultimately accepted the decision. Despite the tension, Devers maintained strong offensive performance, posting a .272 batting average with a .401 on-base percentage and a .504 slugging percentage, resulting in a 148 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) this season.
Injury Creates Opportunity for Position Shift
Boston’s situation became more complex in early May when first baseman Triston Casas suffered a knee injury that ended his season. Considering Devers for the first base position seemed logical given his offensive skills and the need to address positional overcrowding. Historically, several third basemen have transitioned successfully to first base, and this change could have eased playing time for other prospects like outfielder Roman Anthony, who has been blocked in Triple-A.
Devers Rejects First Base Transition With Red Sox
Despite requests to consider first base, Devers refused and expressed discontent with the club’s approach. He recounted,
“They talked to me and basically told me to put away my glove, that I wasn’t going to play any other position but DH.”
and added,
“So right now, I just feel like it’s not an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position.”
He also criticized the organization’s handling of the situation:
“Now I think they should do their job essentially and hit the market and look for another player (to play first base). I’m not sure why they want me to be in between the way they have me now.”
—Rafael Devers, MLB Player
Red Sox Explore Other First Base Options
Following Devers’ refusal, Boston looked at alternative solutions at first base, including utility players Romy González and Abraham Toro. Rookie Kristian Campbell began pre-game defensive work at first base, although he had yet to appear there during games. According to Joon Lee of Yahoo! Sports, Devers took offense to Campbell’s willingness to train at first base, interpreting it as a slight to his own status within the team.
Trade to Giants Developed Over Several Weeks
The culmination of these tensions led to a surprising trade sending Devers to the Giants this past weekend. On May 10th, key Red Sox figures including CBO Craig Breslow, owner John Henry, and CEO Sam Kennedy traveled to Kansas City to meet with Devers during the Red Sox-Royals series. Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey revealed that discussions with Boston had been ongoing for three to four weeks prior to the deal.
After the trade, Breslow emphasized the values the Red Sox sought to embody:
“It’s the willingness to step up and sacrifice at times of need and essentially do whatever is necessary to help the team win.”
and added,
“I think that’s the identity, this relentless pursuit of winning, that we’re looking for.”
—Craig Breslow, Boston Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer
Devers’ Position Fit Within Giants Roster
Analyzing Devers’ role in San Francisco reveals similar positional dilemmas to those he faced with Boston. Matt Chapman, a premier defensive third baseman under contract through 2030, is currently on the injured list, while top prospect Bryce Eldridge has recently been promoted from Double-A to Triple-A as a first baseman.
Devers will focus on first base training, while Eldridge continues his development in the minors. Both players may share long-term responsibilities at first base and designated hitter, supported by Devers’ remaining eight years on his contract and Eldridge’s club control through his first six seasons.
Implications of Devers’ Adaptation to First Base
While Eldridge may ultimately become the Giants’ starting first baseman, having Devers capable of playing the position adds flexibility and insurance against injuries or developmental setbacks. Adapting successfully to first base could solidify Devers as a multi-dimensional asset for the Giants.
Devers’ changed attitude might reflect a desire to begin afresh and avoid conflict, possibly moving past grievances related to the broken promises in Boston. As he expressed,
“I’m moving forward from the situation in Boston and looking forward to being a San Francisco Giant.”
—Rafael Devers, MLB Player
Short-Term Adjustments and Giants’ Roster Strategy
Devers will require time to adjust to first base since he has never played there professionally. The Giants recently parted ways with first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. and have been rotating Dominic Smith at first base, with Wilmer Flores taking on the designated hitter role.
In an upcoming game, Devers is slated as the designated hitter while Smith plays first base and Flores is on the bench. Both Smith and Flores are expected to become free agents soon, which could lead to roster changes before the trade deadline. If Eldridge continues to progress, he may be promoted to the majors later this year, potentially creating trade opportunities for veterans like Flores and Smith.
The Giants appear to be building toward a Devers-Eldridge combination at first base and DH, contingent on Devers’ transition success and Eldridge’s growth in the minors.
What the Trade Means for Boston Fans
Boston supporters are left pondering what might have been had the team approached the position change differently. Questions arise about whether introducing Devers to first base earlier—before signing Bregman—or allowing him more time to adapt in the offseason and spring training could have altered the outcome.
Other hypotheticals involve the possibility of retaining Devers through the 2025 season and revisiting positional arrangements ahead of 2026. Regardless, the club now contends with the reality of losing a star player who was a cornerstone of the franchise moving to California once more.