Rafael Devers made his first career start at first base Tuesday night as the San Francisco Giants faced the Atlanta Braves. The move comes just weeks after the former Red Sox star refused to play the position for his previous team.
Position Change After Boston Exit
The three-time All-Star’s transition to first base marks a significant development following his June trade from Boston. Devers had declined to switch positions for the Red Sox after they signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman and lost first baseman Triston Casas to injury.
| Devers’ 2025 Season | With Red Sox | With Giants |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 73 | 29 |
| Batting Average | .272 | .219 |
| Home Runs | 15 | 2 |
| RBIs | 58 | 10 |
Changing Attitudes About Position
Devers explained his willingness to play first base for San Francisco by saying he felt the Giants showed him more respect. “I would have made the switch if the Red Sox had asked at the beginning of spring training,” the slugger stated, referencing his $313.5 million contract signed in 2023.
Giants’ Offensive Struggles
The Giants entered Tuesday’s game mired in a six-game skid, ranking 23rd in runs per game. San Francisco hopes Devers’ position flexibility and potential offensive resurgence can boost their playoff push as they sit 3.5 games out of a wild card spot.
Devers’ defensive debut at first base represents both a personal milestone and potential turning point for a Giants team needing offensive production from their high-profile acquisition.
