Rafael Devers officially stepped into a new chapter of his Major League Baseball career on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, when he was introduced as the San Francisco Giants’ latest power-hitting acquisition. The move, finalized just two days prior on June 15, sent shockwaves through the baseball world as Devers, a four-time All-Star and the last remaining player from Boston’s 2018 World Series championship team, was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the Giants.
Devers’ debut at Oracle Park was met with enthusiasm and high expectations, as fans cheered his arrival and chanted "Rafi" when he stepped into the batter’s box. Batting third and serving as the designated hitter in the Giants’ 3-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians, Devers showed flashes of his offensive prowess, going 2-for-5 with an RBI double in the third inning that briefly put San Francisco ahead 2-1. Despite striking out twice and grounding out once, his presence was felt immediately on a Giants lineup that has struggled with power and run production this season.
At 28 years old, Devers brings not only a potent bat but also a hefty contract, having signed a 10-year, $313.5 million deal in January 2023. His arrival joins a roster already bolstered by high-profile signings such as shortstop Willy Adames, with a seven-year, $182 million contract, and third baseman Matt Chapman, a five-time Gold Glove winner with a $151 million deal through 2030. Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey, a three-time World Series champion catcher with San Francisco, expressed gratitude to ownership for making the trade, emphasizing the need to add power and scoring punch to a team that last made the playoffs in 2021 after a franchise-record 107 wins.
Devers’ transition to the Giants represents a fresh start after a turbulent end to his Boston tenure. The friction began in the winter of 2024-2025, when the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman, a defensive standout and Gold Glove third baseman, signaling a shift in Boston’s infield plans. Devers, who had played third base for eight seasons with the Red Sox, was asked to move to the designated hitter role. Publicly, Devers made his feelings clear during spring training, stating, "Third base is my position," and refusing to accept the DH role without contention. His reluctance to relinquish third base set the stage for a strained relationship with Red Sox management.
Complicating matters further, an injury to Boston’s starting first baseman Tristan Casas on May 2, 2025, left the Red Sox scrambling to fill the position. Despite the team’s need, Devers declined to play first base, a decision that frustrated the organization. He told reporters, "They told me they didn’t want me to play any other positions… Now, they should do their jobs, essentially, and hit the market and look for another player." Boston then relied on utility players Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez, along with prospect Marcelo Mayer, to fill first and third base gaps during this period.
Despite the off-field tensions and positional disputes, Devers maintained solid offensive numbers for Boston, posting a .272/.401/.504 slash line with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs over 73 games. The Red Sox were in the thick of the American League playoff race, riding a five-game winning streak and even sweeping the New York Yankees shortly before the trade. Yet, the decision was made to move forward without Devers, freeing Boston from the remaining eight-plus years of his lucrative contract.
Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy acknowledged the difficulty of the trade, stating, "We worked at it, we had a different vision for him going forward than he had. We couldn't get there, what we felt we needed from him that would be in the best interest of the ball club." Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow added that the trade, which brought pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison plus minor leaguers to Boston, was aimed at improving the team’s pitching depth this season. Breslow also noted, "There were times during the course of conversations with Raffy’s camp where they had indicated that perhaps a fresh start would be best for both sides." Indeed, the trade appears to be a reset for both player and club.
Devers, meanwhile, has embraced his new role with the Giants wholeheartedly. At his introductory news conference, he declared, "I'm here to give my 100 percent," adding, "I am here to play wherever they want me to play." This marks a notable change from his stance in Boston, where he resisted playing first base. In San Francisco, Devers has been seen taking ground balls at first base, a position that allows Matt Chapman to continue anchoring third. This positional flexibility is crucial, as it enables the Giants to keep utility man Wilmer Flores in the designated hitter spot, where he has enjoyed a bounce-back season with an impressive .256/.324/.409 slash line, 11 home runs, and 51 RBIs.
Manager Bob Melvin confirmed that Devers is expected to primarily serve as a designated hitter and first baseman, rather than returning to third base. Melvin commented, "When you have a guy like Barry Bonds around, arguably the greatest hitter of all time, it's an added benefit for sure." Devers had the opportunity to meet Bonds, a legendary left-handed slugger whom he has long admired, and fellow Giants legend Buster Posey. Devers joked about the encounter, saying, "I think just looking at him my game has already improved a lot."
Devers’ arrival has already energized the Giants clubhouse and fan base. Posey praised Devers’ attitude, saying, "I really like his answers by the way," referring to Devers’ willingness to adapt and contribute. Manager Melvin noted, "It's a completely different environment, it's a completely different team, he doesn't really know anybody on the team and shows up already a fan favorite." Fans at Oracle Park embraced Devers enthusiastically, with many arriving early wearing his No. 16 jersey and flocking to watch his batting practice.
Looking ahead, the Giants are set for a weekend series against the Red Sox at Oracle Park, marking Devers’ first reunion with his former team on home turf. Devers remains focused on the present, stating, "That's in the past now, I'm looking ahead and focusing on what I have here being a San Francisco Giant." His commitment to winning and contributing to a championship-caliber team is clear: "I think this organization has talent, they have won championships. I am here to play, to win and to win a championship."
As Devers settles into his new role, the Giants hope that this midseason addition will provide the offensive spark and veteran leadership needed to contend in the fiercely competitive National League West. With his bat, adaptability, and renewed enthusiasm, Rafael Devers is poised to make a significant impact on San Francisco’s quest to return to postseason glory.
