Much of the drama surrounding the end of Rafael Devers’ time with the Red Sox stemmed from the club’s decision to have him change positions and the apparent lack of communication that took place in advance. Things got so bad that Devers publicly objected to the notion, first of shifting from third base to designated hitter and later to first base.
But speaking to the media Tuesday for the first time as a member of the Giants, the former Red Sox slugger sung a much different tune.
“I’m here to give my 100%,” Devers said through an interpreter. “They’re the men in charge and I’m here to play whatever they want me to play.”
Devers was all smiles during his introductory press conference in San Francisco, which was attended by most of the team and coaching staff along with Giants legend Barry Bonds, who sat in the front row as Devers spoke. Devers started by thanking the Red Sox for giving him an opportunity to play professional baseball before expressing excitement for the chance to continue his career with the Giants.
But asked multiple times about the end of his tenure in Boston, Devers made it clear he’s looking to turn the page.
“I’m moving forward from the situation in Boston and I’m looking forward to being a San Francisco Giant,” Devers said.
Over the course of the press conference top Giants officials provided insight into how the deal came together and what their plans for Devers are moving forward. Giants chairman Greg Johnson said they’d been working on the deal for about a month, and from their perspective acquiring Devers was a no-brainer even if it meant taking on more than $250 million in salary commitments over the next eight-plus seasons.
“To put it in baseball terms you look for your pitch, and to our group this was like a hanging slider to get Raffy in here,” Johnson said. “It just was too good of an opportunity.”
Buster Posey, the three-time World Series champion and current president of baseball operations, called Devers “a dude” and said he believes the 28-year-old slugger could become the next great Giants player, following in the footsteps of others like Willie Mays, Willie McCovey and Bonds.
As far as how Devers will fit into the Giants’ plans on the field, manager Bob Melvin said he would start at designated hitter and bat third in his debut on Tuesday and that they would begin preparing him to play first base over the coming days and weeks.
Given his past reluctance to play first base in Boston, Devers was asked about his apparent change in mindset.
“Like I said, this is a new organization, I’m happy to be here,” Devers said, “and like I said, they’re the men in charge and I’m here to do whatever they ask me to do.”
Though Devers declined to say much about the Red Sox, he did provide insight into his experience over the weekend finding out he was being dealt.
“Sunday was a normal day for me until I found out I was traded,” Devers said, “but obviously I took the news like a man and I appreciate the fact that they traded me to give me an opportunity to continue playing baseball.”
He later offered a message of thanks to Red Sox fans.
“I just want to thank the Boston fans, they supported me throughout my time there and I want to give them my thank you,” he said.
Devers won’t have to wait long for the chance to face off against his former team. The Red Sox are scheduled to face the Giants in San Francisco for a three-game series starting this Friday at Oracle Park.
“Obviously the goal is to win the games, but I will try to give my 100% and try to win the series,” Devers said.
And beyond this weekend, Devers signaled his intention to do whatever he can to help bring another World Series title to the Bay Area.
“I am here to play, to win, and obviously to win a championship,” he said.
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