Rafael Devers Arrives in San Francisco with High Expectations
Rafael Devers, a left-handed hitter admired from afar by San Francisco’s new great hitter, Barry Bonds, showed up in the clubhouse. Devers was formally introduced by the Giants on Tuesday, and is expected to be the designated hitter in the third position in the series game against the Cleveland Guardians.
Devers is determined to leave his own mark on the franchise, in what represents a new beginning for him and a crucial mid-season acquisition for Buster Posey and the San Francisco management.
That’s in the past, I’m looking forward and focusing on what I have here being a San Francisco Giant. I’m eager to go out and play and see what I can do.
With a bright smile that matched his new number 16, Devers insisted that he will play in any position and do what manager Bob Melvin and his team ask him to do.
I really like your answers, by the way.
Buster Posey
The Giants assume a mega contract after Devers signed a new $331 million deal for 11 years in January 2023. He joins several other stars here with long-term contracts, shortstop Willy Adames with a seven-year, $182 million contract and third baseman Matt Chapman with $151 million over six years until 2030, while Posey builds a roster that he hopes will compete for another World Series championship, like the ones the Giants won with him as their star catcher in 2010, ’12 and ’14.
San Francisco last reached the playoffs in 2021, when it won a franchise-record 107 games and edged out the Dodgers for the National League West Division title on the final day.Rafael Devers was formally introduced by the Giants on Tuesday, two days after his surprising trade from the Red Sox. And what happened in Boston, Devers has stopped discussing any problems he had with the organization and is eager to move forward.Devers stated, through an interpreter, that he believes this organization has talent and has won championships. He is here to play, win, and win a championship.
Posey thanked ownership for their willingness to make the change and sign Devers to boost a club that has lacked power and struggled to score runs for long periods this year. The trade announced on Sunday came together in recent weeks after countless hours and conversations.
The Giants will gradually get Devers back in shape to play in the field, as he has been strictly a designated hitter this year. They know he has many mentors eager to help. Devers was scheduled to do some fielding work at first base, the same position he didn’t want to play after losing his spot at third base when the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract in February to be their third baseman, the position where Devers made 130 starts last year.
When you have a guy like Barry Bonds around, possibly the best hitter of all time, it’s a definite added benefit.
Buster Posey
It will only be a matter of days before Devers’ first meeting with the Red Sox, who visit Oracle Park for a weekend series.“I think just by looking at him, my game has already improved a lot,” joked Rafael Devers about being in the presence of home run king Barry Bonds, who attended Tuesday’s press conference.He was batting .271 with 14 home runs and 57 RBIs in 72 games as Boston’s primary designated hitter. When asked what the differences would be when starting over, Devers pointed out: “It’s the same baseball. I’m here to give 100%.”
Devers, 28 years old, wasn’t thrilled about the idea of playing first base in Boston, but he thanked the people who encouraged him, calling them “great fans who supported me the whole time I was there”.
After all the fanfare of his presentation and receiving his jersey in front of most of his teammates, who took the time to be at his press conference before doing their pre-game routines, Devers got to work.
“The Giants brought me here for a reason and I will give 100%,” he said. “Now I am happy to be part of the team.”
