Rafael Devers’ spring with the San Francisco Giants couldn’t be more different from his last days with the Boston Red Sox. If last year’s camp in Boston felt tense and unsettled, this year in Scottsdale is relaxed, confident, and buzzing with a new sense of possibility.
A year ago, Devers found himself at the center of a uncomfortable saga. He resisted moving off third base to accommodate free-agent Alex Bregman, eventually relented, and then declined a first-base switch when an injury-created opening appeared. His Red Sox tenure culminated in a blockbuster trade that, in hindsight, reads as much like a salary move by Boston as anything else.
Now, Devers looks lighter and happier. He’s enjoying a calm, focused off-season, and his batting practice sessions are so powerful they leave dents on the top of Scottsdale Stadium’s Charro Lodge.
The Giants have already seen a 3½-month snapshot of Devers’ game-changing power and his defensive versatility at first base. Soon they’ll get a full season—and many more—to experience the Rafael Devers impact.
“From the start, I knew what he could bring to our lineup and the kind of year he could have,” Giants manager Tony Vitello said. “I don’t get hung up on every statistic, but he’s a force in the lineup who forces opponents to change their game plan. And when you’re facing a guy like that, your own teammates elevate too.”
Eight months after the trade, Devers still faced questions about Boston, especially after Red Sox chairman Tom Werner described Devers’ reluctance to play first base as “extremely discouraging.”
“It was a discouraging chapter,” Werner said. “Just hand him a glove and move on.”
Devers handled the comments gracefully, redirecting attention to his new team.
“That’s in the past,” Devers replied through team interpreter Erwin Higueros. “I don’t want to talk about it. It’s over. I have no opinion on what he said. Let’s focus here and leave the past in the past.”
The Giants sent four players to Boston in exchange for Devers: Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks, James Tibbs III, and Jose Bello. Today, Bello is the only one remaining in Boston’s system after Harrison, Hicks, and Tibbs were traded away.
As for Bregman—the move that contributed to Devers’ discomfort—Bregman opted out after one year of his three-year, $120 million deal with Boston and signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. Devers says he wasn’t paying attention to his former club.
“I don’t use social media. I don’t go online,” Devers said. “My main focus is giving 100 percent.”
Devers’ first-season goals are more concrete than simply “do my best.” He aims to reach 30 home runs, a milestone he has already achieved four times in his career.
Among the Giants’ recent 30-homer breakthroughs—Matt Chapman, Heliot Ramos, Willy Adames—Devers stands out as the most natural middle-of-the-order bat the franchise has had in years. Even Buster Posey, who helped guide the team as president of baseball operations, didn’t bring this level of thump.
On defense, Devers is eager to prove himself with the glove as well. Learning first base after a long career at third has come with its growing pains, but he gained confidence as the season progressed and flashed some sharp plays.
In the off-season, Devers focused on polishing his defense, working with infield coach Ron Washington, whose enthusiasm for teaching infield work remains intense even after his quadruple-bypass surgery last year. Devers even turned down the World Baseball Classic to stay ready and sharpen his skills with Washington.
“He’s working his tail off,” Washington said. “He’s making the adjustments you have to make.” Devers was credited with +2 defensive runs saved, underscoring his improving versatility.
Vitello notes that Devers isn’t officially a team captain, but the veteran spoke up in the first team meeting before full-squad workouts began. Vitello also lauds Devers’ high baseball IQ and his knack for thinking through game situations.
“He’s genuinely invested in how well the team does, not just himself,” Vitello said. “He takes ownership of his craft.”
One subplot to watch is the dynamic between Devers and top prospect Bryce Eldridge, who is fighting for a spot on Opening Day. Both left-handed power hitters with limited defensive range, they’re an imperfect fit for the same positions. If Eldridge claims first base, Devers would likely be at DH, but if Eldridge makes the team elsewhere, Devers could handle most of the first-base duties.
Regardless, Devers is supportive of Eldridge’s chances to open the season in the lineup. He even imagines a neat scenario for Opening Night: a home run by both of them would be an ideal start to the season.
Would you agree that Devers’ move to first base changes the Giants’ lineup balance for the long term, or do you think Eldridge will ultimately redefine the pecking order? Share your take in the comments.
