After splashing huge money on Rafael Devers, San Francisco Giants president Buster Posey may have finally landed the big bat their fans have craved. But there’s one problem: nobody, not even Posey, knows which position the former Red Sox slugger will play yet.
Buster Posey’s Shocking Revelation on Rafael Devers’ New Role At Giants
For months before his shocking trade from Boston to the West Coast, there were reports of Devers’ dissatisfaction with the Red Sox front office and Craig Breslow over repeated requests to shift to multiple positions.
The Giants, though, are yet to figure out where Devers will play defensively. When asked, Posey admitted to being unsure, which is surprising after having just made a massive financial commitment to bring in the high-profile slugger. “There’s the possibility to play third some with Chapman out, to get some in at first, and DH,” Posey said. “By all accounts… he’s a winner. He wants to do what he can to help the team.”
Posey on where Devers potentially fits in defensively:
“There’s the possibility to play third some with Chapman out, to get some in at first, and DH… By all accounts… He’s a winner. He wants to do what he can to help the team. Obviously there was some back and forth with… pic.twitter.com/NsFKWbm5Md
— KNBR (@KNBR) June 16, 2025
Sure, Devers could fill in at third until Matt Chapman returns. But even if he stays at DH, could that hurt Wilmer Flores, who leads the team with 51 RBIs? “Obviously, there was some back and forth with him and the Red Sox,” Posey added. “I don’t have all the details of where things went sideways, but he’s excited to be in San Francisco and help our team win.”
Before the trade, Devers’ relationship with the Red Sox front office had grown strained over his defensive role. It all began when Boston signed Alex Bregman. Devers didn’t hide his frustration, insisting he was a third baseman and didn’t want to move to DH.
But Devers reportedly softened his stance during spring training, reportedly after getting to know Bregman and the impact he could have on the future of the Red Sox. So, like a team player, Devers made the sacrifice, but Red Sox chief Breslow wanted more.
WATCH: Rafael Devers Sent Back to Fenway in Cab After Last-Minute Red Sox Trade Leaves MLB World Stunned
Devers was asked to consider playing first base following Triston Casas’ season-ending knee injury. This time, the star slugger did not relent. “They’ve told me I’m a little hard-headed,” Devers said then. “And they already asked me to change (to DH) once, and this time, I don’t think I can be as flexible.”
Why Did the Giants Take the Gamble on Rafael Devers?
The Giants are aware of the issues that unfolded between Devers and the Red Sox; however, having landed a big bat that they needed for years, these issues appear to be secondary.
The Giants have tried landing big bats in recent years, from Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge to Bryce Harper, but all have failed to come to fruition. The obsession with big bats is partly due to their championship-winning season, where Barry Bonds led the offense.
“I think the bat’s so special,” Posey said. “It’s hard to acquire this talent at this point. We’re taking on a lot of money, giving up pitching and our first-rounder (Tibbs). This didn’t come without cost, but we felt it was a chance to take.”
Rafael Devers’ last at bat with the Red Sox was a home run.pic.twitter.com/DCt3G93Li6
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) June 15, 2025
The Giants are betting on the left-handed hitter after making a massive financial commitment. According to The Athletic, 8 1/2 years and roughly $255 million remain on Devers’ 10-year, $313.5 million contract. The trade also involved right-hander Jordan Hicks, left-hander Kyle Harrison, and two prospects, James Tibbs III and Jose Bello, going to the Red Sox from the Giants.
The Giants need to be clear about Devers’ defensive role at San Francisco and quickly. They have not only given up major talent but also taken on a major financial commitment to finally bring the star slugger, and cannot afford internal tensions if they plan on making his addition to the lineup and the team’s championship hopes a success.
