Rafael Devers is preparing for his first full season as a member of the San Francisco Giants. The 29‑year‑old left‑handed slugger arrived last June in a surprising deal with the Boston Red Sox, especially considering he had signed a 10‑year, $313.5 million extension in 2023.
The trade stemmed more from tension with Boston’s front office over his role than from performance. Devers did not want to move to first base after the Red Sox lost their starting first baseman to a season‑ending injury, and the disagreement eventually led to the blockbuster move that brought a new superstar to San Francisco.
Since arriving in San Francisco, Devers has fully embraced the transition to first base and has continued getting reps there throughout spring training.
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However, ahead of Wednesday’s Opening Day matchup, manager Tony Vitello opted to slot Devers in as the designated hitter, batting third, rather than starting him at first.
Vitello explained that the decision came down to multiple factors. He preferred Casey Schmitt at first base because Schmitt is a right‑handed hitter and would benefit from the platoon advantage against Yankees left‑hander Max Fried.
Vitello also noted that Devers did not get enough defensive reps this spring due to the hamstring tightness that sidelined him earlier in camp, though he has since fully recovered h/t Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports).
Devers’ next opportunity to play first base will come Friday in the second game of the series against New York. His first season with San Francisco included some natural growing pains as he adjusted to a new franchise, but he still delivered strong production. In 90 games with the Giants, he posted a .236 batting average, .347 on‑base percentage, .807 OPS, 20 home runs and 51 RBIs.
Devers remains one of the most dangerous left‑handed hitters in MLB as a three‑time All‑Star and two‑time Silver Slugger. With the Giants competing in a highly competitive National League West, they will need him to anchor the middle of the lineup all year long, regardless of whether he is playing first base or serving as the designated hitter.
