Rafael Devers was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, just after hitting a home run that helped complete a sweep over the New York Yankees. Though taken by surprise at the timing of the move, the 28-year-old infielder and designated hitter acknowledged he understood that his tenure with Boston was nearing its end. This trade became a significant moment, as Devers compared it to the shock felt when star outfielder Mookie Betts was dealt in 2020.
How Devers’ Previous Experience With Major Trades Helped Him Prepare
Reflecting on the suddenness of his own trade, Devers mentioned that witnessing Mookie Betts’ trade years earlier had somewhat prepared him for the reality.
“I was surprised when it happened but I knew it was coming,”
Devers said, per Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe.
“I know the business of baseball.”
He added,
“I saw it happen with Mookie [Betts] when he got traded. That kind of prepared me for what happened.”
Devers’ Position Preferences and Discussions With Red Sox Ownership
Before the trade, Devers spoke about his willingness to play first base if necessary but requested time to adjust and some certainty about maintaining the role, rather than being moved frequently. He revealed conversations with Red Sox owner John Henry regarding this matter.
“They wanted me to play first base,”
Devers said, per Abraham.
“I told [Red Sox owner John Henry] they eventually, yes. I could play first base but maybe next year. It was not my fault that players get hurt. I felt like if another player got hurt, they would move me again.”
Devers’ Accomplishments and Role Changes With the Red Sox
Devers entered the 2024 season as a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger award winner. Notably, he was the last remaining player from Boston’s 2018 World Series-winning team. During this season, he posted a batting line of .272/.401/.504 with 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, and a league-leading 56 walks in 73 games. He primarily served as the designated hitter and was placed second in the Red Sox batting order.
Previously, Devers had been Boston’s main third baseman until they signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman, which shifted Devers to the designated hitter position. When first baseman Tristan Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury, Devers seemed poised to move to first base but preferred to stay as designated hitter, resisting the positional change.
New Role and Expectations With the San Francisco Giants
Now joining a Giants lineup that includes Platinum Glove winner Matt Chapman at third base and utility infielder Wilmer Flores at first, Devers has appeared as the designated hitter during his first three games with San Francisco. However, his role could expand to cover either corner infield positions as the season progresses.
The Giants are hopeful Devers will bring the powerful left-handed hitting presence they have lacked since Barry Bonds. The former Red Sox slugger will face his old team on Friday night at 10 p.m. ET for the first time since the trade, setting the stage for an anticipated showdown.