Rafael Devers, recently acquired by the San Francisco Giants in a major trade with the Boston Red Sox, has already encountered tension with former Giants star Will Clark. The controversy began soon after the trade when Devers reportedly missed a scheduled first-base workout session with Clark, who was helping him adjust to a new defensive role.
Details on the Missed First-Base Session
Red Sox broadcaster Will Flemming revealed on WEEI Sports Radio that the incident occurred shortly after the trade:
“We were in San Francisco right after that trade happened,”
Flemming said.
“I was there the second day. Will Clark was there to work on ground balls with him at first base and Rafi didn’t show up.”
This missed session highlighted some of the early difficulties Devers is facing as he transitions into a new position and environment.
Tensions Rooted in Devers’ Past with the Red Sox
Devers’s departure from Boston involved more than just logistics. Reports indicate that his relationships within the Red Sox organization had become strained. While Red Sox manager Alex Cora insisted the trade was “not personal,” there are indications that friction existed, partly due to Devers’s adjustment to a designated hitter role after spending eight years as a third baseman. The team acquired Alex Bregman, who took over at third base, sparking a shift in Devers’s role.
Criticism from Red Sox Icons Highlights Communication Issues
Off-field dynamics also came into play, with baseball legend David Ortiz expressing frustration with Devers’s communication. Ortiz stated,
“You can’t imagine how many times I wrote to Devers trying to give him advice, but unfortunately, he has communication problems,”
adding,
“He almost never returned my messages, but I don’t blame him. He’s a good guy, but he definitely needs to improve his communication. He should find an advisor to help him with that.”
Ortiz also shared a social media post reflecting on the expectations of playing for the Red Sox:
“The thing is that to have some like this at Boston you have to just not be a hitter you have to be the full package a all the way around player… go Sox.”
Giants’ Perspective on Devers’ Adjustment
Will Clark has taken a patient yet firm stance regarding Devers’s current attitude toward the first-base duties. Clark acknowledged that Devers’s no-show was likely due to discomfort playing first base in front of his former teammates but emphasized the importance of embracing the role. Clark recounted on the podcast Deuces Wild with Eric Byrnes & Will Clark,
“Friday, Saturday, Sunday, he did not come out at all. Period. Not at all. I completely understand. But Rafael Devers, next time I’m in San Francisco, your ass will be on the field at first base. Just letting you know that. Even if I have to go grab you by the f–king back of the neck and drag your ass out there, you will be at first base.”
Impact of Transition and Performance with Giants
Since joining the Giants, Devers has played exclusively as a designated hitter in 20 games. His performance shows some struggles adapting to the new team environment; he is currently hitting .240 with an on-base percentage of .348 and a slugging percentage of .387. Devers has recorded only two home runs and nine RBIs while striking out 28 times, indicating room for improvement as he settles in.
Outlook for Devers and the Giants Moving Forward
The Giants and Devers are navigating a complicated start to their partnership. After several clashes in Boston, the trade was expected to provide a fresh beginning for Devers, but early signs reveal lingering challenges in adjusting to new roles and expectations. Giants manager Bob Melvin and third-base coach Matt Williams remain actively involved in supporting Devers’s transition, aiming to capitalize on his talent while addressing on-field and clubhouse dynamics.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Rafael Devers a good hitter?
A. Devers ranks as one of the top hitters among players who have participated in numerous games before reaching the age of 30.