As Red Sox Nation wakes up Monday still processing Sunday night’s stunning Rafael Devers trade, here’s some food for thought:
It won’t be long before Devers has his first Red Sox reunion. The San Francisco Giants host Boston on Friday for a three-game series with the Red Sox.
It will be interesting to see how his former teammates greet Devers. Will they be happy for him and show appreciation for his three All-Star appearances and his contributions on the 2018 World Series-winning club? Or will they hold him accountable for his lack of flexibility in changing positions multiple times before leaving town?
Speaking of which, Devers could be facing more of the same problems in San Francisco. The Giants currently have a Gold Glove-winning third baseman in Matt Chapman. But Chapman, 32, is currently on the injured list with a sprained right hand. Would the Giants have the courage and confidence to ask Devers to step in at third base until Chapman, who signed a six-year, $151 million contract last year, returns?
If not, it’s entirely possible the Giants ask Devers to play — wait for it — first base. Right now, that spot is being held down by journeyman and former Red Sox infielder Dominic Smith.
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Initially, it’s probably safe to think the Giants will slot Devers at designated hitter. Regardless of his position in San Francisco, he’s slated to face Hunter Dobbins on Friday, Brayan Bello on Saturday and Lucas Giolito on Sunday when the Red Sox roll into town as part of their nine-game West Coast road trip.
As for what to expect from Devers in the Giants lineup, it’s hard to project because he doesn’t have much experience playing in San Francisco. In three career games at Oracle Park, Devers is 1-for-12 with two strikeouts. But his 15 home runs this season are more than anyone else on the Giants roster. If nothing else, Giants fans should have fun watching Devers spend the next nine years taking aim at McCovey Cove.
Featured image via Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
