David Ortiz has a storied history with the Boston Red Sox, having played most of his career in Boston. The three-time World Series champion didn’t hold back when discussing Rafael Devers, a man he doesn’t think too highly of. Devers may have thought everything with the Red Sox was behind him, but Big Papi’s quote stands out.
David Ortiz Blasts Devers for His Body and Defense
After everything went down in Boston, where Devers told them what position he wanted to play, Ortiz ridiculed the 28-year-old, who is now open to playing elsewhere. Ortiz has had it out for Devers since he first showed up to camp this spring, as his most recent comments on the newest Giants player got fans talking.
David Ortiz had more to say about Rafael Devers pic.twitter.com/hs5fDa6Qn9
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) June 21, 2025
“Red Sox didn’t disrespect Devers. He disrespected himself,” Ortiz said. “He comes to spring training out of shape and being the third baseman with the worst defense.”
In 942 games started at third base, Devers has a .944 fielding percentage. Boston knew they didn’t have Devers locked into playing third base permanently, and the Giants are also aware of that. Devers’ .272 batting average and .905 OPS during his time with the Red Sox to start the year were enough to justify him as the team’s designated hitter, with many fans turning on Ortiz after his ruthless comments.
“Whoa if you are a baseball player you definitely lost a lot of respect on Big Papi for that,” this fan said. Ortiz is one of the most iconic players in Red Sox history, having spent 2003-16 with the team. His number is retired, and he’s a Red Sox Hall of Fame member. Three years ago, he was voted first ballot into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
“When was Ortiz ever in shape?” another fan criticized him. One also wrote: “We should all thank the most overrated player in MLB history for taking time out of his day to set a player straight.”
Ortiz can have his opinion, but the Devers and Red Sox drama continues. Both parties thought they escaped the situation once a blockbuster trade was made, but this trade will be discussed for years to come.
Sitting at 40-38, the Red Sox are fourth in the AL East. Having won eight of their last 10 games, the Red Sox are one of three fourth-place teams in the league with a winning record. Out of those three teams, they’re the most competitive, just five games back of first place.