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Red Sox Star Sends Rafael Devers Clear Message Amid Controversy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated May 12, 2025 1:51 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox have put together a strong 2025 season so far, sitting in second place in the AL East with a 22-20 record, just behind the 32-17 New York Yankees, while also sporting a plus-29 run differential.

Unfortunately, though, the team has been at the center of some negative attention in recent days, which stems from controversy surrounding franchise staple and designated hitter Rafael Devers.

After Triston Casas was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury, Devers was asked by the Red Sox to take over defensive duties at first base, which is something he's never done for Boston at the MLB level.

He, of course, refused to make the change, which has caused many fans to feel upset, but it's become clear several teammates are still behind him, with former All-Star starting pitcher Lucas Giolito praising the 28-year-old.

“I’m glad he’s on my team and I don’t have to pitch to him anymore," Giolito said, per MLB.com's Robert Falkoff. "He’s an incredible hitter and we’re very lucky to have him.”

Throughout the season, Devers has put up some impressive numbers, appearing in all 42 of Boston's games, accumulating 157 at-bats, 44 hits, 25 runs scored, seven home runs, 31 RBIs and 31 walks.

He also has the second-best batting average (.280), the best on-base percentage (.398), the third-best slugging percentage (.490) and the third-best OPS (.888) of every qualified hitter for the Red Sox.

It's, of course, important to hear his teammates still showing support, because barring a trade, it's not as though the team is parting ways with Devers any time soon, as he's under contract through 2033 as part of a 10-year, $313.5 million extension.

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

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