Tuesday night marked the formal start of a new chapter in San Francisco, and it began with a loud roar. An enthusiastic, hopeful, and exuberant standing ovation erupted around Oracle Park when Rafael Devers entered the batter’s box for his first at-bat as a member of the San Francisco Giants.
Boston Saga Over, New Chapter With Giants
During a news conference earlier in the day, Devers, who was acquired just days ago in a blockbuster transaction that stunned Red Sox Nation and gave the Giants another headline name, introduced himself to supporters and made one thing clear: he’s all in.
Giants fans give Rafael Devers a standing ovation as he digs in for the first time pic.twitter.com/suZwp232dA
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 18, 2025
“I’m here to help the team with whatever they need and whatever they want,” Devers said. “I’m just another member of the team, and I’m going to be willing to give my 100 percent wherever they put me. I don’t have any ‘buts.’ I don’t really have a say. They’re my bosses, so I’m going to play wherever they put me.”
It was a subdued but forceful acknowledgment of the tension that persisted in his last days in Boston. There was internal conflict when the Red Sox wanted him to switch positions after roster injuries. With a trade that rocked baseball, the story came to a close and handed Devers a new beginning in the Bay.
Devers isn’t just another piece anymore, since the Giants are on a tear and their payroll is soaring following big acquisitions like Willy Adames and Matt Chapman. He didn’t waste much time on his debut, demonstrating why.
Debut With Giants Against Cleveland
In his first plate appearance, Devers struck out, but in his second, he delivered. With Willy Adames on base, Devers roped a double into right field, bringing home his new teammate for his first RBI in orange and black. Although it wasn’t a home run, it was the kind of clutch swing that Giants supporters hope will happen more often.
However, the night might have been defined by the standing ovation. The audience greeted Devers with the affection typically shown to enduring legends, without waiting to be impressed. Following years of searching for a franchise player to develop around, the Giants and their supporters are prepared to accept that this is the one.
It’s early, and there’s plenty of baseball ahead. But Devers already looks comfortable, both at the plate and in his new uniform. For San Francisco, it’s a statement of intent. For Devers, it’s a new beginning.
And if tonight was any indication, the Bay are ready to win games with Devers leading the way.