Vitello addressed whether Devers is healthy enough to play first base: “I think Raffy is closer. I don’t think it’s anything immediate. The one thing we try to do is get other guys caught up to be able to play at that position to lengthen the options we have at this point. Casey Schmitt has shown the best defense more than anything.”

It’s not as if Devers is struggling. Through seven games with the Giants, he’s hitting .259, a solid mark, while Schmitt is slightly ahead at .273. The offensive gap between the two hasn’t been significant so far.

The plan was always to use Devers and Schmitt

According to Vitello, the original plan was to rotate both players at first base to maximize flexibility. However, with Devers still not fully healthy due to earlier hamstring issues, Schmitt has taken advantage of the opportunity.

“The lineup all along was gonna be Casey and Raffy in there so it just kind of became a switch out as a couple weeks out Raffy had some hamstring issues. Right now Casey’s capable of doing damage with the bat, and defensively he’s shown he’s the best over there,” Vitello said.

Statistically, Schmitt has kept pace with Devers. He doesn’t have a home run yet, but he’s collected six hits in 22 at-bats with two RBIs, an encouraging start, especially compared to his .173 average through the first seven games last season.

Addressing these concerns, Devers revealed his intentions for the upcoming season. When questioned by the media about his positional duties, he provided a straightforward response. “I will be working to improve at first base this spring. I’m comfortable now that I know that’s my position,” Devers stated confidently.

His declaration of embracing first base has stirred excitement among fans eager to witness his progress during spring training. Enthusiasts anticipate observing Devers’ fielding enhancements, adding to his diverse skill set on the field.

The Giants, on their part, face strategic planning, aiming to optimize their lineup for Opening Day. Spring training games will offer a vital opportunity to assess potential placements in their roster, setting the stage for a successful season start.

Devers’ candid response to Red Sox remarks

In related developments, a noteworthy incident unfolded as Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner sparked debate in Fort Myers with his criticism of Devers concerning last summer’s trade to the Giants. Devers swiftly quashed any lingering controversy with a decisive retort.

“That’s in the past. I don’t want to talk about it. It’s over. I don’t have any opinions on what he said. So, let’s concentrate here and just leave the past in the past,“ Devers asserted, signaling his focus on the future.

As spring training gets underway, Giants supporters remain hopeful for a stellar season from Devers, with aspirations of a return to postseason glory. Devers’ integration at first base could be pivotal in the team’s quest for success in the forthcoming season.

“I don’t like to speak ill of any player. I’d like to say that he’s a wonderful person… But, of course, when we had an injury at first base [to Triston Casas] his unwillingness to play that position was extremely discouraging… It was a discouraging episode… Just pick up a glove,” Werner said of Devers.

For those who may not remember, Devers himself had said he was not ready to play first base, and from there the situation escalated into an intense drama closely followed by reporters around the clock. Ultimately, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants in a midseason June move that caught many by surprise.

The Bregman situation, according to Werner, is in the past

Werner does not want any lingering drama surrounding the Bregman situation. In the view of the Red Sox owner, Bregman ultimately chose to sign elsewhere largely for family reasons, and not simply because the Chicago Cubs may have offered more money.

“I don’t think that it was simply about the fact that he was offered a bit more money in Chicago. I think that he’s happy to be in Arizona [for spring training] where his family is. I have enormous respect for Alex, but it wasn’t meant to be and we moved on… I think people have made too much of that. I don’t think that was the dispositive issue.”

Team president Sam Kennedy also addressed Bregman’s departure, including whether a no-trade clause might have changed the outcome. “There’s many different parts of a contract negotiation. We did not come to an agreement. So obviously, he’s a Chicago Cub and wish him well until the end of the year.”

Perrault mentioned that after securing Rafael Devers with a $331 million contract and Bregman for $120 million, the Red Sox made a strategic move by selling Devers to the San Francisco Giants for $251 million. With Bregman now signed by the Cubs, the Red Sox are relieved from the $80 million payout required due to Bregman’s contract opt-out. This maneuver effectively recoups their initial investment in Devers.

Losing a star of Bregman’s caliber is more than just a headline for the Red Sox; it signifies an ongoing effort to reshape their roster. While Bregman is anticipated to make a significant impact by bolstering the Cubs‘ lineup during the regular season, the Red Sox are focused on alleviating their financial commitments to pursue new talent elsewhere.

Projections from Baseball Reference suggest that Bregman could have an even more impressive season in 2026 than he did in 2025, forecasting 66 runs, 118 hits, and 19 home runs, with a .784 OPS.

Red Sox reportedly eye new targets after Bregman signs with Cubs

The Red Sox are recalibrating their offseason strategy after Bregman inked a deal with the Chicago Cubs. In the wake of Bregman’s move, Boston’s front office has reportedly shifted its focus to other potential acquisitions, with Bo Bichette emerging as a high-priority target. However, the pursuit of Bichette is expected to be competitive, as another franchise has entered the race for the star shortstop.

In the quest to bolster their roster, the Red Sox are considering additional candidates who could fill the void left by Bregman. Among the names being discussed are Nico Hoerner of the Cubs and Isaac Paredes from the Houston Astros. Both players present intriguing options for the Sox as they look to strengthen their lineup.

The anticipation among Red Sox fans is palpable, as they eagerly await new signings to enhance the team’s competitiveness. With Bregman off the table and several other key figures from the offseason market already locked into new contracts elsewhere, the pressure is on Boston’s management to deliver impactful additions to the roster.

Freeland delivered the pitch, and Devers responded by sending it beyond the stands for a home run. While the Giants star admired his shot, Freeland expressed his frustration. Devers then reacted to Freeland’s remarks as he rounded the bases, but the damage was already done and tensions escalated on the field.

Following the Rockies‘ defeat to the Giants, Freeland addressed the incident with the media, offering his perspective on the interaction with Devers. “I found it extremely disrespectful the way he showed me up in the first inning after hitting a home run, just standing there, watching it, and taking his time to trot to first base. I wanted to let him know how disrespectful that was,” Freeland shared with reporters.

It’s uncommon for batters to linger at home plate to watch their home runs; typically, they start their run toward the bases immediately. However, some choose to savor the moment. While hitting a home run warrants celebration—given its rarity—such displays can sometimes ignite tensions on the field.

Devers propels Giants forward

Since Devers joined the Giants, the team has been performing remarkably well. Despite a few setbacks during the regular season, the Giants are still eyeing at least a Wild Card spot by the end of September. Devers’ presence has clearly energized the Giants, and their postseason hopes remain very much alive.

In his most recent outing, Devers took five turns at-bat and showcased his formidable skills. He hit a two-run home run, tallied two RBIs, and added another hit. His performance, mirrored by Casey Schmitt who matched those impressive numbers, was instrumental in securing yet another crucial victory for the Giants as they push for a playoff berth this year.

Player of the Week honors for Devers

It took just a month for Devers to endear himself to Giants fans, earning the Player of the Week award. He shared this accolade with Kyle Schwarber, who also put up stellar numbers during his stint with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Devers notched 11 hits, boasted a .478 batting average, recorded five extra-base hits, and accumulated 10 RBIs over the past few series with the Giants. To keep the Giants’ Wild Card hopes alive, Devers will need to maintain this high level of performance. The team is expected to challenge the New York Mets, who currently hold a five-game lead over San Francisco for the final Wild Card position.

Following his impressive performance, Devers addressed the media regarding the Giants‘ current situation. When asked if this was the first time he truly felt at ease playing at Oracle Park, he candidly shared his thoughts on performing in San Francisco.

“I’ve never said that I don’t feel comfortable here. I always give everything I have, and I’m here to do my job,” Devers stated after the Giants’ 12-3 triumph over the Cubs. “There are good days and bad days in baseball, and that’s just part of the game,” he added, reflecting on the ups and downs of the sport.

Since joining the Giants, Devers has hit 12 home runs, and the San Francisco fan base remains eager to see more from him. His standout performances have been instrumental in the team’s resurgence and close proximity to a Wild Card berth, fueling fans’ hopes for a postseason appearance.

One of Devers’ runs came from a bizarre mistake

In an exhilarating performance by the Giants, one of the most astonishing moments against the Cubs unfolded in the bottom of the fifth inning. Devers scored a run in an unusual sequence after Matt Chapman connected with the ball. As Kyle Tucker attempted a throw to home plate, the ball inadvertently struck Chapman in the head.

This miscue allowed Smith to capitalize by scoring a second run on the play, further extending the Giants’ lead against the Cubs. The Cubs, who were vying for a crucial opportunity to surpass the Philadelphia Phillies in the standings and secure a direct postseason berth, faced a challenging setback.

Devers’ stats against the Cubs

It wasn’t just fortuitous plays that propelled the Giants to a decisive victory over Chicago. Raffy exhibited outstanding leadership, dominating various statistical categories, which earned him a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd at Oracle Park.

Devers’ impressive stat line included a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate, 4 runs, 2 home runs (bringing his season total to 27), 5 RBIs (increasing his tally to 89), and a walk (marking his 92nd of the year), alongside a .258 batting average. If Devers maintain this level of performance, the Giants could find themselves in strong contention for at least a Wild Card position in the postseason race.

Adames broke his recent dry spell on Sunday against the Boston Red Sox by smashing his ninth home run of the season, a morale booster following an eight-game homerless stretch. Despite this recent success, Melvin expressed a tempered evaluation of Adames’ overall performance and shared his candid thoughts.

In his statements, Melvin praised Adames, highlighting that he was among those advocating for his acquisition by the Giants. While acknowledging that Adames’ achievements have fallen short of expectations thus far, Melvin conveyed his belief in Adames’ potential to rise to the occasion as the season progresses.

“We signed him for a reason,” Melvin told reporters after the Giants’ decisive 9-5 victory over the Red Sox. “And I know, to this point, the offensive numbers haven’t matched either our expectations or his own, but he has a history of being a second-half player. He’s going to step up and become one of those key players who will carry us through the rest of the season.”

Adames’ stats so far in this regular season

Adames signed a 7-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants in December 2024, making his debut with them in the 2025 MLB regular season. Here are Adames’ stats so far with the Giants in the 2025 regular season (as of June 23, 2025):

• Games (G): 77
• Plate Appearances (PA): 327
• At-Bats (AB): 284
• Runs (R): 42
• Hits (H): 60
• Doubles (2B): 11
• Triples (3B): 1
• Home Runs (HR): 9
• Runs Batted In (RBI): 33
• Walks (BB): 36
• Strikeouts (SO): 86
• Stolen Bases (SB): 3
• Batting Average (AVG): .208
• On-Base Percentage (OBP): .294
• Slugging Percentage (SLG): .347
• On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS): .641

Devers’ remarkable feat against former team

In a stunning display of talent, Devers, just six days after being traded from the Red Sox to the Giants, hit his first home run in a Giants uniform. This remarkable moment occurred during Game 2 of the series against his former team and marked a rare achievement, one accomplished by only nine other players in MLB history.

According to Sports Radar, who shared the feat on their X account, “Rafael Devers is the 10th player to homer for and against the same team within a span of 7 days or less.” Devers’ performance not only highlights his ability to adapt quickly but also signals a strong start with the Giants, a team that placed its confidence in him. Despite his enduring affection for Boston, Devers appears revitalized and poised for success with San Francisco.

“Clear the air about what? It’s a trade. It’s baseball. It’s a business. That’s how it works. It’s not the first guy that’s gotten traded. It’s not the last guy. People have their opinions about the whole thing — communication, first base, DH, third base, the manager, the GM, the owner, whatever. It’s a baseball trade. From my end, I turn the page.”

Cora’s latest response made one thing clear: within the Red Sox organization, the chapter on Rafael Devers is officially closed — even as reports continue to surface about the player’s immature behavior during his final stretch with the team.

Cora wanted Devers out of Boston

That’s right. In a recent report by Jeff Passan, several explosive details were revealed about Devers’ conduct, but perhaps the most significant was that Alex Cora — once one of Devers’ strongest advocates — supported the decision to move on from him.

“Devers, according to a person familiar with his thinking, felt ‘lied to and betrayed’ by the Red Sox. Cora, long one of Devers’ chief supporters and advocates, supported his expulsion,” Passan wrote in his ESPN column.

Devers’ First Game Back

In what was expected to be a more meaningful debut against his former team, Devers struggled at the plate, going 0-for-5 in a game the Giants ultimately lost. They now turn their attention to the second game of the series, still searching for their first home win since June 8.

After nine years with the Red Sox, Devers embarks on a new chapter in Major League Baseball. The Giants hope to capitalize on his powerful batting and solid presence at the plate. Even as Devers integrates into his new team, the Giants’ fan base has already warmly embraced “Raffy,” showing their support.

During his first at-bat with the Giants at Oracle Park, Devers was met with a standing ovation from the crowd, a gesture that took him by surprise, given his recent arrival and lack of previous ties to San Francisco.

Reflecting on the experience, Devers expressed his emotions and appreciation towards the Giants fans. “During my first at-bat, I was a bit nervous because of the ovation. I wasn’t expecting that… It was amazing to see the fans welcoming me in such a way,” Devers shared with the media after the game.

Giants’ HC lauds Devers on impressive debut

Transitioning to a new team often presents challenges for players as they adjust to different playing styles and team dynamics. Such was not the case for Devers, who quickly showcased his talent, earning early acclaim from fans with his first hit as a Giant.

In the post-game press conference, Giants’ head coach Bob Melvin extended his congratulations to Devers, recognizing his potential to bring significant contributions to the team. “You have to understand, he’s spent his entire career in Boston, and now he’s here. We’re all really excited about what he brings,” Melvin remarked.

Melvin elaborated, saying, “It’s a completely different environment, a completely different team. Pulling off what he did today is no easy feat.” Devers joins a franchise eager to embrace him, a warmth he reportedly felt was lacking in his final days with the Red Sox.

Devers’ statistics in his Giants debut

Devers’ much-anticipated debut with the Giants occurred Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians at Oracle Park. Rising to the occasion, Devers managed two solid hits, marking the start of what fans hope will be a fruitful tenure with the team.

Devers’ first game performance breakdown:

• At-Bats (AB): 5
• Runs (R): 0
• Hits (H): 2
• Doubles (2B): 1 (His first hit and RBI as a Giant, an RBI double in the 3rd inning that briefly gave the Giants a 2-1 lead)
• Home Runs (HR): 0
• Runs Batted In (RBI): 1
• Walks (BB): 0
• Strikeouts (SO): 2
• Left On Base (LOB): Indications suggest opportunities were missed in subsequent at-bats
• Batting Position: 3rd
• Position Played: Designated Hitter (DH)

Ortiz’s comments have added fuel to the fire regarding the issues between Devers and the Red Sox organization. While the trade itself was the most public sign of tension, Ortiz’s words shed light on a deeper issue: Devers’ reluctance to engage with key figures like Ortiz, who tried to guide him through his development. As a future Hall of Famer, Ortiz had certainly earned the right to mentor Devers, but the lack of communication seemed to be a problem.

The situation may have been complicated by Devers’ concerns about his position change with the team. However, it wasn’t just the Red Sox’s decision to move him around the field that caused friction. As Ortiz pointed out, it was also Devers’ communication issues that played a role. “You can’t imagine how many times I wrote to Devers trying to give him advice, but unfortunately, he has communication problems,” Ortiz admitted, via MLB insider Hector Gomez.

He added: “He almost never returned my messages, but I don’t blame him. He’s a good guy, but he definitely needs to improve his communication. He should find an advisor to help him with that.”

The tension between Devers and the Red Sox

The trade to the Giants didn’t come as a total shock given the tension between Devers and the Red Sox front office. While Devers was one of the team’s brightest stars, his feelings about moving from third base, especially after the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman during the offseason, created friction. This decision, which was meant to address the team’s defensive issues, caused Devers to feel uneasy about his future in Boston.

Yet, the frustration didn’t end there. The failure to communicate with figures like Ortiz, who has been a source of guidance for many Red Sox players, only added to the problem.

Ortiz’s perspective on Devers’ future

Despite the communication issues, Ortiz made it clear that he holds no ill will against Devers, stating that he’s a “good guy.” However, Ortiz also emphasized that Devers needs to improve his communication skills in order to reach his full potential as a player. Given his talent, Ortiz believes that Devers’ future could be brighter if he had a more open dialogue with those who can help him navigate the challenges of being a professional athlete.

As Devers heads to San Francisco, the Giants are now in possession of one of the most gifted young hitters in the league. Devers’ potential is undeniable, and he could help the Giants push for a postseason berth. At just 28 years old, his best years are still ahead of him, and his presence in the Giants’ lineup will make them an even more dangerous team in the years to come.

Essentially, the Giants want Devers to play across the infield. “There’s the possibility to play third some with [Matt] Chapman out, to get some in at first, and DH…“ Posey said when discussing Devers’ role with reporters.

“By all accounts… he’s a winner. He wants to do what he can to help the team,” Posey continued. “Obviously there was some back and forth with him and the Red Sox and I don’t have all the details of where things went sideways, but he’s excited to be in San Francisco and help our team win.”

Posey was anxious leading up to Devers’ arrival

Devers’ trade from the Red Sox to the Giants brought back old feelings for Posey — a level of anxiety he hadn’t felt since his playing days, when he would get nervous before taking the field for the Giants, where he played from 2009 to 2021.

“I was telling [my wife] Kristen yesterday morning as this was coming together, ‘I kind of have some of the same anxiety that I had before every single game.’ So it was a fun feeling — it was exciting.”

Why didn’t Devers want to play infield for the Red Sox?

The situation has been widely discussed, but the general understanding is that Devers was unhappy with how the Red Sox organization handled him — reportedly asking him to switch to infield duties overnight, something he disagreed with. He also appeared upset when a rookie volunteered to take over a position he had declined.

“According to multiple sources, Devers was also upset when the rookie Campbell volunteered to play first base this season — interpreting it as a slight to his own stature,” Joon Lee wrote on X.