Rafael Devers leaves Boston drama behind, prioritizes Giants over personal position preference

Rafael Devers may have left behind a stormy end in Boston, but in San Francisco, he’s arrived with a smile and a mindset focused on team success. Officially introduced by the Giants at Oracle Park on Tuesday, Devers looked relaxed, confident, and, most importantly, ready to embrace whatever role the team assigns him.

Rafael Devers changes tone post-trade, ready to play any role to help Giants win

Unlike his turbulent departure from the Red Sox—where tensions ran high after the club signed Alex Bregman and Devers refused to switch to first base—the 28-year-old slugger is now signaling a major shift in attitude. “I’m here to give my 100%... They are the men in charge,” Devers said through a translator. “I am here to play wherever they want me to play.”The Giants already have five-time Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman manning the hot corner, meaning Devers will need to adapt.

But this time, there’s no sign of resistance. “Like I said before, I am here to play wherever they want me to do and to give my best,” he added, echoing the same sentiment when asked again about his positional preference.

The contrast with his Boston stance couldn’t be sharper. In his final days with the Red Sox, Devers had made it publicly known that he was unhappy with being shifted from third base, first to DH and then asked to try first base—a move he resisted.

That impasse ultimately paved the way for his trade to San Francisco.But Devers is clearly turning the page. “I’m moving forward from the situation in Boston and I’m looking forward to being a San Francisco Giant,” he declared. The press conference was more than just a formal introduction—it was a celebration. With Giants legend Barry Bonds seated in the front row, Devers took the stage, expressing gratitude to the Red Sox for his beginnings and excitement for his future in the Bay.Giants chairman Greg Johnson revealed the trade had been in the works for about a month and was viewed as an unmissable opportunity. “To put it in baseball terms... this was like a hanging slider to get Raffy in here,” Johnson said. “It just was too good of an opportunity.”Buster Posey, now the club’s president of baseball operations, called Devers “a dude” and hinted he could be the next franchise cornerstone, following in the footsteps of Mays, McCovey, and Bonds.Manager Bob Melvin confirmed that Devers would debut as the designated hitter, batting third, while being groomed for a future role at first base. As for Devers, the change in scenery seems to have sparked a reset: “Like I said, this is a new organization, I’m happy to be here... and I’m here to do whatever they ask me to do.”With a weekend series against the Red Sox looming, Devers remains focused. “Obviously the goal is to win the games, but I will try to give my 100% and try to win the series,” he said, looking forward to proving himself in his new home.And with that, the Devers era in San Francisco begins—with no baggage, just baseball.Also Read: Rafael Devers appears happier than ever after Red Sox exit, makes Giants debut with a grin