Introduction to Rafael Devers’ Decision

Rafael Devers had a consistent mantra when he addressed the Boston media for the first time since his surprising trade from the Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants five days ago.
“The past is in the past,” Devers said repeatedly Friday when asked about his time with the Red Sox and why the relationship deteriorated so much this season that the team traded him less than two years into a 10-year, $313.5 million contract he signed in 2023.

Background on Devers’ Time with the Red Sox

Devers did give one piece of insight when asked what he would tell Red Sox fans about why he is willing to play first base in San Francisco if he is asked after refusing to do so with the Red Sox when asked last month.
“I would say that I have put some good numbers up over in Boston,” he said through an interpreter. “I think that I do feel that I have earned some respect. If they would have asked me at the beginning of spring training, yes, I would have played (first).”

Devers’ Performance and Interactions

Devers had warm interactions on the field with his former teammates before the game, but had little success during it with an 0-for-5 night as the Giants lost to the Red Sox 7-5. He got a standing ovation before grounding out in his first at-bat in the first inning and hit a drive to the wall in left-center that Ceddanne Rafaela caught against the wall in the third.
“I really looked up to him when I was coming up,” said Rafaela, who called Devers his big brother. “It’s always a pleasure for me to watch him play and watch him perform. It was fun.”

Deterioration of Devers’ Relationship with the Red Sox

Devers’ relationship with the Red Sox began to deteriorate when the team signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman during spring training and asked Devers to move to DH; he balked before agreeing to the switch. When first baseman Triston Casas sustained a season-ending knee injury, the Red Sox approached Devers about playing the field and he declined, saying the front office “should do their jobs” and look for another player.
A day after Devers’ comments to the media about playing first, Red Sox owner John Henry, team president Sam Kennedy and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow flew to Kansas City to meet with Devers and manager Alex Cora.

Devers’ Stance and Trade

Devers’ stance didn’t change and he was eventually traded to San Francisco. He said he wouldn’t have done anything differently in his time in Boston.
“I put up good numbers over there,” he said. “I always gave my 100%.”
The Giants were happy to acquire Devers after striking out in their bid to sign a big bat for the middle of the lineup in free agency. Devers went 3 for 11 with two walks and an RBI in his first three games with San Francisco as a designated hitter.

He has started working out at first base and said he would be happy to play there as soon as he feels comfortable.
“Like I said in the past, that is not a position that you’re going to learn how to play overnight,” he said. “I just have to continue that practice there.”

Devers’ Happiness with the Giants

Devers said he is as happy as he has been in years in his first few days with the Giants and enjoyed the opportunity to see some of his friends on the Red Sox on Thursday night when the team arrived in town.
“It’s been a few hectic days,” he said. “A long week it feels like. But I saw my friends yesterday, so, I was happy to be able to see them. I’m very happy.”
Devers said he didn’t have “anything good or bad to say" about Cora but said he would talk to him on the field this weekend when he had the chance.

Conclusion

Rafael Devers’ decision to play first base for the Giants but not the Red Sox stems from his feeling of respect and the timing of the request. Devers believes he earned respect with his performance in Boston and would have been willing to play first base if asked earlier in spring training. His relationship with the Red Sox deteriorated over the course of the season, ultimately leading to his trade to the Giants. Devers is happy with his new team and is looking forward to contributing to their success.

FAQs

Q: Why is Rafael Devers willing to play first base for the Giants but not the Red Sox?
A: Devers feels that he has earned respect with his performance in Boston and would have been willing to play first base if asked earlier in spring training.
Q: What led to the deterioration of Devers’ relationship with the Red Sox?
A: Devers’ relationship with the Red Sox began to deteriorate when the team signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman and asked Devers to move to DH, and further deteriorated when they asked him to play first base after Triston Casas’ injury.
Q: How has Devers performed with the Giants so far?
A: Devers has gone 3 for 11 with two walks and an RBI in his first three games with San Francisco as a designated hitter.
Q: Is Devers happy with his new team?
A: Yes, Devers said he is as happy as he has been in years in his first few days with the Giants.