When the Boston Red Sox parted ways with three-time All-Star slugger Rafael Devers, much of the discourse at the time of the trade bashed Boston’s management, in particular CBO Craig Breslow, for mishandling the situation with their star player from the time spring training began.
As fans know, Devers position at third base being taken over by a much better fielder in Alex Bregman, paired with the former’s refusal to play first base when Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury in early May, were fuel to the fire that led to the ending of Rafael Devers tenure in Boston.
The trade was made on June 15th, with current and former Red Sox players giving their stance on the blockbuster deal. David Ortiz was among those disappointed in Devers, and even showed receipts of text messages that were never answered by the 28-year-old.
More than three weeks have passed since the deal was done, and Devers has done nothing but embarrass himself since arriving in the Bay Area. The latest report coming out of San Francisco doesn’t bode well for Devers, and it looks like he blew off another great first baseman.
Rafael Devers reportedly stood up a Giants legend who arrived at the facility to work out with him https://t.co/fDhP0Mzibi
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 8, 2025
Rafael Devers Absent for First Base Workout with Will Clark
In his introductory press conference with the Giants on June 17th, Devers stated that he would do what the Red Sox were asking of him for a month, and that was to play first base. After being so against the idea of helping his former team in the wake of the Casas injury, Devers magically turned a corner and said he would do whatever the Giants asked of him.
“I’m here to give my 100 percent. I don’t put any ‘buts’, they’re the men in charge and I’m here to play whatever they want me to play” Devers said through an interpreter.
Will Fleming, the Red Sox play-by-play radio announcer, recently went on WEEI Afternoons to relay that Devers didn’t stick to his word just two days after the trade. Like David Ortiz’s text messages and calls, Devers was a no-show during a scheduled first base workout with Giants great Will Clark.
“I was there the second day [after the trade]. Will Clark was there to work on ground balls with him at first base, and Raffy didn’t show up. So that’s the person that [the Red Sox] have been dealing with for a long time.”
Will Fleming, Red Sox Radio Announcer
Clark was a five-time All-Star and Gold Glove first baseman during his seven years with the Giants (1986-1993). He, along with Giants brass, got a good idea of who Devers is just two days after taking on his lucrative deal. The jersey may have changed, but Devers has returned to his stubborn ways.
Whether this will create further problems remains to be seen, but it isn’t a good look to blow off one of the greatest first basemen in your franchises history just two days after arriving in town. For now, the Giants have seen Gold Glover Matt Chapman return from injury at third base, with Wilmer Flores manning first.
Although Devers continues to cause problems off the field, he’s been productive at the plate since the turn of the month. In July, Devers is currently riding a seven-game hitting streak, slashing .320/.419/.440 with a .859 OPS. These numbers are much improved after batting .200 in June with his new team.
The Giants (9-11 since acquiring Devers) sit in second-place of a crowded NL West, and are in sole possession of the last wild card spot, one game ahead of the Padres.
After their fourth straight win, the Red Sox are now two games over .500, and two games out of the final AL wild card spot. After hopefully sweeping the MLB-worst Rockies, the Rays will come into town for a pivotal series at Fenway before the All-Star break.
