Rafael Devers may have just been traded, but he plays against his former team in only a few days.
In a trade that was made on Sunday and sent pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison, as well as minor-leaguers James Tibbs and Jose Bello to the Boston Red Sox, the San Francisco Giants agreed to take on all of Devers’ current contract, which will pay him $226.5 million over the eight seasons following 2025.
Devers batted third and started at designated hitter in his Giants debut on Tuesday night against the Cleveland Guardians.
Despite rumblings of drama that led up to the trade, Devers has already welcomed himself into the San Francisco community.
“What happened with the Red Sox is in the past,” Devers said. “I’m someone who takes it day by day and will give it my best now that I’m here. I think the reason they brought me here is to win. I’m someone who likes to win and compete.”
But the past can’t stay the past forever; in fact, Devers has less than five days before he faces off against the Red Sox.
Rafael Devers Feels Ready for First Base Against Boston
The first game between the San Francisco Giants and the Boston Red Sox will take place Friday, June 20, when San Francisco hosts Boston at Oracle Park.
For Devers, who usually plays third base, it hasn’t been just about learning a new position; it was about proving himself to his new coaches and teammates.
According to Red Sox insider Chris Cotillo, Devers said he’s doing everything he can to be ready for Friday.
“I really don’t know a timetable but I know I’m going to try and get there as fast as I can and be ready whenever the team needs me,” Devers said. “I know that starting tomorrow and the day after, I’m gonna take as many grounders as possible at first base and whenever the manager and coaches feel I’m ready, I’m gonna be ready.”
Could Devers play 1B against the Red Sox this weekend?
“I really don’t know a timetable but I know I’m going to try and get there as fast as I can and be ready whenever the team needs me,” Devers said. “I know that starting tomorrow and the day after, I’m gonna take as many…
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) June 18, 2025
But, let’s not forget that Devers is no amateur and doesn’t face a tough challenge when it comes to being “ready.”
Prior to the trade, Devers had been enjoying one of the best seasons of his career at the plate, slashing .271/.400/.494 and leading the league in walks with 55.
In order for Devers to get his shot at revenge, the Giants will have to figure out their own complicated infield puzzle. Where does one superstar fit into a machine with so many moving parts?