The San Francisco Giants executed one of the most unexpected trades of the 2025 MLB season by acquiring Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox in mid-June. The move came after months of speculation about tensions between the four-time All-Star and the Red Sox, culminating in the Giants sending Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks, James Tibbs III, and prospect Jose Bello to Boston in exchange.
The Giants aimed to solve their offensive inconsistency, which had been undermining the strong efforts of their pitching staff. By adding Devers to a lineup that already included players like Willy Adames, Matt Chapman, Heliot Ramos, Wilmer Flores, and Jung Hoo Lee, San Francisco sought to assemble a potent group capable of producing runs steadily throughout the remainder of the season.
Offensive Struggles Persist Despite Devers’ Arrival
Contrary to expectations, the Giants’ offense failed to improve immediately after Devers joined the team. Instead, their overall performance at the plate declined, contributing to a skid that dropped their record back to .500. This stretch included six straight losses leading into the MLB trade deadline, causing a shift in the Giants’ strategy under President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey.
Rather than pursuing additional talent for a playoff push, Posey began opting to trade established players in what appeared to be a move toward rebuilding. Relief pitchers Tyler Rogers and Camilo Doval were traded to the New York Mets and New York Yankees respectively, while outfielder Mike Yastrzemski was sent to the Kansas City Royals. These transactions marked the departure of some of the team’s longest-tenured contributors.
Devers’ Potential to Revive Giants’ Postseason Hopes
Despite these roster changes, the Giants remain committed to making the postseason, with Rafael Devers positioned as a cornerstone of that effort. Known for his offensive prowess and two Silver Slugger Awards, Devers’ ability to spark a hot streak could rejuvenate San Francisco’s lineup and boost the team’s chances down the stretch.
He demonstrated his impact recently during a critical series against the New York Mets, a rival competing for a wild card spot in the National League. Devers recorded hits in each of the three games, compiling a 5-for-13 performance that included a double, a home run, and four RBIs, helping the Giants secure the series victory.
Following that series, the Giants won another against the Pittsburgh Pirates, taking two of three games and climbing back above .500 after their losing streak. Devers also extended a seven-game on-base streak, signaling the possible start of a productive run that could propel the Giants toward a playoff berth.
Looking Ahead: Giants’ Season Hinges on Devers’ Continued Success
With the season entering its crucial phase, the Giants will rely heavily on Rafael Devers to lead their offense and stabilize their performance. His recent surge suggests he could deliver the consistency San Francisco needs to contend in a competitive National League. While the team has moved into a selling mode by trading veteran players, the ultimate goal remains a postseason appearance.
How Devers performs in the coming weeks will be key for the Giants’ trajectory, as his ability to generate runs could make the difference between an early offseason and a deep playoff run.