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Former Major Leaguer Believes Rafael Devers Is Happier After Red Sox-Giants Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Griffin Goodwyn | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Frustration was central to Rafael Devers' departure from the Boston Red Sox in mid-June.

Devers headed into the most recent offseason as the Red Sox's starting third baseman before the club signed Alex Bregman, who played the same position for the Houston Astros. The acquisition forced Devers to move to the designated hitter position, which took some adjusting to.

Then, Devers was requested to take grounders at first base after Triston Casas went down with a season-ending injury. That request went unfulfilled, and a few days later, on June 15, he was sent to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for a package of four players.

Since being dealt to the Giants, Devers has demonstrated a willingness to play anywhere, including some places he initially did not want to with the Red Sox. According to former MLB player Cameron Maybin, communication was the key to getting Devers to be more flexible position-wise.

"All of a sudden now, all we're hearing is 'Devers is willing to do whatever the Giants want him to do. He'll play first, he'll DH, he'll mix in at third.' Isn't it funny how just a little communication goes far with guys?" Maybin said on Foul Territory.

"The narrative is totally changing when you talk about how he's acting in a Giants uniform. We'll see how long that lasts, but all of a sudden, he's back to that happy-go-lucky guy that we always heard that he was."

That happiness may not have turned into production just yet, as he is hitting .217 with one home run, three RBIs, and a .699 OPS in 23 at-bats with the Giants. But as he settles into his new home, he will return to form – and with a little less baggage on his shoulders.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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