Full Breakdown
Rafael Devers Responds to Criticism from Red Sox Chairman
2/18/2026, 9:36:34 PM
Background on the Controversy
Rafael Devers, the San Francisco Giants' designated hitter and first baseman, was traded from the Boston Red Sox amid controversy regarding his position on the field. Initially a third baseman, Devers was moved to designated hitter after the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman. However, when first baseman Triston Casas suffered a season-ending injury in May 2025, the Red Sox requested Devers to switch to first base, a position he had never played. Devers declined, leading to his trade to the Giants in June 2025.
Recent Comments from Tom Werner
Boston Red Sox chairman Tom Werner recently expressed his disappointment regarding Devers' refusal to play first base, stating, “It was a discouraging episode… Just pick up a glove.” This comment reflects Werner's lingering frustration over the situation, particularly as the Red Sox have since traded three of the four players they acquired in exchange for Devers.
Devers' Response
During a media availability session, Devers addressed Werner's remarks, emphasizing his desire to move forward. He stated, “That’s in the past. I don’t want to talk about it. It’s over,” and expressed no opinions on Werner's comments. Devers reiterated his focus on the present and his commitment to the Giants, saying, “Let’s concentrate here and just leave the past in the past.”
Devers' Transition to First Base
Since joining the Giants, Devers has played 29 games at first base and is preparing for the 2026 season in that role. Giants general manager Zach Minasian has indicated that Devers has the potential to be an “above-average first baseman.” Devers himself has expressed a newfound comfort with the position, stating, “I feel comfortable. Especially now that I know that's going to be my position. I just gotta continue working, improving on it, and just give my 100%.”
Performance and Future Outlook
In the 2025 season, Devers had a productive offensive year, slashing .236/.347/.460 with 35 home runs and 109 RBIs. As he prepares for the upcoming season, he aims to solidify his role as a key player for the Giants, who are looking to return to the postseason for the first time since 2021.
Criticism & Opposition
While Werner's comments reflect a critical perspective on Devers' past decisions, Devers has chosen to focus on his current role with the Giants. His response indicates a desire to move beyond the criticisms and concentrate on his performance and contributions to his new team.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That’s in the past. I don’t want to talk about it. It’s over,” — Rafael Devers, San Francisco Giants
- “But, of course, when we had an injury at first base [to Triston Casas] his unwillingness to play that position was extremely discouraging… It was a discouraging episode… Just pick up a glove.” — Tom Werner, Chairman of the Boston Red Sox
This ongoing narrative highlights the complexities of player transitions and the impact of organizational decisions on athlete careers.
