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8 hours ago
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The Boston Red Sox sent designated hitter Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. He was traded away largely in part due to his refusal to learn first base, or even practice there. His decision caused friction within the organization and led to him being traded to the Giants.
Now in San Francisco, there were a lot of questions over where he'd play and how the Giants would manage his spot on the roster. Matt Chapman is at third, and Wilmer Flores has been the team's designated hitter, leaving first base as the main spot for Devers.
In a post on Twitter/X from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, he reported that the Giants are planning to have Devers take grounders at first base. They will then have their new slugger take over at first, but in the meantime, he'll start at designated hitter.
The decision from the Giants makes the most sense, and was something that the Red Sox were trying to do themselves. But, with Devers willing to learn first base with the Giants, there was clear dissatisfaction with the Red Sox organization; otherwise, he would've tried it in Boston as well.
This entire saga of Devers' will-he-wont-he in regards to him trying things out at first has been an issue in Boston. But on day one in San Francisco, Devers and the Giants are planning to give it a try at first base.
Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers (11) rounds third base en route to scoring during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Despite the first base controversy, Devers was in the middle of an incredible season at the plate. In his 272 at-bats in Boston, Devers had 74 hits, 47 runs scored, 18 doubles, 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, 56 walks, and 76 strikeouts.
His .905 OPS and 153 OPS+ are incredible numbers and prove that, despite the ongoing drama, Devers was still a major contributor in Boston.
His refusal to learn first base didn't affect his hitting. If he learns how to be an average first baseman and continues his offensive production, he'd be one of the most valuable players in the league. The Giants plan to give him a try at first, and Devers is ready to give it a go himself. Something the Red Sox couldn't get out of him.
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