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Rafael Devers. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Rafael Devers' words stinging for Red Sox and what could have been

By Kevin Henry | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 7:07 PM ET

On Tuesday, it didn't take long for Rafael Devers to answer a big question about his San Francisco Giants future. It also took that same amount of time for the Boston Red Sox to wonder what could have been in Devers had felt the same way earlier in 2025.

When Devers was introduced at his Giants press conference on Tuesday, less than 48 hours after the shocking trade that sent him and his 10-year, $313.5M contract from Boston to San Francisco, he told reporters he would be willing to play first base or "wherever they want me to play."

Those words were a sharp contrast from earlier in the year when Devers was asked about playing first base following the season-ending injury to Triston Casas.

In that conversation, Devers once again made it clear that he wouldn't be willing to move to first, saying, "I don't think, for me personally, it's the best decision after they asked me to play a different position."

This spring, Devers was moved to designated hitter when the Red Sox inked Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120M deal this offseason. At that time, Devers had initially said he wasn't willing to move off third base in favor of Bregman, but eventually came around to the idea.

Interestingly enough, look at his words from spring training compared to what he said on Tuesday as a member of the Giants.

"We spoke already, and I'm good to do whatever they want me to do. I'm here to help. I’ve already spoken with them about that and they know where I stand, but I’m just ready to play.” -- Rafael Devers
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) March 13, 2025

Devers on positions: “They’re the men in charge. I’m here to play wherever they want me to play.”
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) June 17, 2025

Those words on Tuesday rang very familiar to Red Sox fans, who thought Devers would be willing to do what was needed in spring training to help the team. A change of heart happened when Boston needed him most after the Casas injury, so will the sentiment stay the same in San Francisco?

Sure, the words sting for Boston fans ... and not just because they echo the Devers of just a few weeks ago who was thought to be a core piece of the franchise moving forward. They also sting because, had Devers actually been willing to live up to them in March, Boston's lineup (and fate) might have been much different.

With Devers as the designated hitter, Boston ranks second among MLB's 30 teams (heading into Tuesday's play) in Wins Above Average (WAA) at 1.3. Only Shohei Ohtani and what he is currently doing for the Los Angeles Dodgers ranks higher (2.6).

Bregman has done his part as well, pacing Boston an MLB-leading 2.5 WAA at third base. Bregman, currently on the injured list with a right quad strain, is hoping to be back in the lineup by the All-Star break, an addition Boston desperately needs with Devers' firepower gone.

While DH and third is doing well, it's at first base is where Boston has been lacking this season, even with Casas in the lineup. Four different players have combined there for minus-1.1 WAA, ranking Boston 22nd in MLB.

So, playing the "what if" game, what if Devers had been willing to play first base in spring training? Sure, Boston would have then had to mix and match at the DH position (more at-bats for Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony, among others perhaps), but Devers' willingness to move to first could well have solidified a position that has been a question mark at Fenway Park this season.

Devers' supposed change of heart in San Francisco is too late for Boston on a number of levels. With the Red Sox now hanging on to the final wild-card spot and Devers gone, Boston fans can wonder how the standings might have looked had Devers been as willing to change earlier in the season as he was on Tuesday.

Kevin Henry

A member of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA), Kevin Henry has been covering MLB and MiLB for nearly two decades. Those assignments have included All-Star Games and the MLB postseason, including the World Series. Based in the Denver area, Kevin calls Coors Field his home base, but travels throughout North America during the season to discover the best stories possible

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