Devers Adjusts Stance After Trade to Giants

Following his transition from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants, Rafael Devers stated on Tuesday that he is ready to adapt to the team’s requirements.

The 28-year-old Devers, who has recorded 15 homers and 58 RBIs with a .272 hitting average across 73 games this season, had a somewhat turbulent relationship with the Red Sox management. Initially, he declined a shift to designated hitter after the team acquired Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman. Subsequently, he opted against playing first base when Triston Casas suffered a season-ending injury on May 2.

“Third base is my usual spot. That’s where I’ve always been. I’m unsure of their strategies, though we did converse, and I stated my preferences. What comes next is uncertain,” Devers commented back in February.

However, upon joining the Giants, Devers has clarified his willingness to take on any role the team assigns him.

“I’m prepared to contribute wherever they see fit,” Devers affirmed on Tuesday.

Devers was initially moved to the designated hitter role, a decision he accepted reluctantly. When first baseman Triston Casas was sidelined, Devers seemed like a practical solution to step in. But the scheme did not unfold according to expectations.

“Following their request for me to switch positions, I don’t believe it’s the optimal decision for me. I had barely two months at one position before suddenly being asked to learn another. It doesn’t strike me as a smart idea,” Devers mentioned in May.

“I understand I am a versatile player, but they shouldn’t expect me to fill every position. During spring training, they advised me to essentially shelve my glove and focus exclusively on DH.”

Given that the Giants already have Matt Chapman, a Gold Glove third baseman, there were doubts concerning Devers’s prospective role. He stated that he would commence practicing ground balls at first base and act as the DH in San Francisco.