The San Francisco Giants have experienced a downturn since acquiring Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox in a major trade. Since June 15, the team has struggled to maintain consistency, posting a 15-25 record that has dropped them to an even 56-56 and put their position in the National League postseason at risk. Despite the hopes surrounding the deal, the Giants’ offense has underperformed, averaging just 3.9 runs per game while their new star has yet to find his rhythm.
Rafael Devers’ Performance Shifts Amid Team Change
Rafael Devers, a two-time All-Star and one of Boston’s key contributors, entered the trade hitting .272 with a .401 on-base percentage and a .504 slugging percentage, accompanied by 15 home runs and a 151 OPS+ in Boston. However, his statistics since joining San Francisco tell a different story. Over 40 games with the Giants, Devers has struggled to match his previous form, managing a .233 batting average, .335 on-base percentage, .393 slugging, five home runs, 19 RBIs, and a 111 OPS+.
Jim Bowden Identifies Devers as Top Position Player Traded
In his post-trade analysis for The Athletic, former MLB general manager Jim Bowden named Rafael Devers the best position player traded this season, a surprising endorsement given Devers’ current struggles. Bowden stated,
“Best position player traded: Rafael Devers, whom the Giants acquired on June 15 in the blockbuster trade with the Red Sox.”
Bowden also highlighted Eugenio Suárez, traded in July, as the best deadline acquisition based on his impressive home run total, which ranks just behind Cal Raleigh, Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Schwarber, and Aaron Judge in MLB.
Mixed Results Highlight Trade’s Uncertain Impact
While Suárez has delivered power with 36 home runs this season, Devers’ transition to the National League has been uneven. The contrast between his Boston and San Francisco production suggests the trade’s long-term value remains unclear. Bowden’s praise may reflect Devers’ name recognition and potential future contributions rather than immediate impact. Without a timely improvement in Devers’ performance, the Giants’ high-profile trade risks being remembered as a short-term disappointment.