Rafael Devers’ latest comments will certainly irk Boston Red Sox fans following his stunning trade to the San Francisco Giants.

The Red Sox sent Devers to the Giants for pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison and prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello. The move came after drama involving Devers and the Red Sox front office throughout the year.

The tension began in spring training when the Red Sox failed to inform Devers they would be signing third baseman Alex Bregman. After initially stating he would not relinquish the hot corner, Devers later acquiesced and moved to designated hitter.

The situation escalated last month when Triston Casas went down with a season-ending knee injury. The front office asked Devers to play first base, but he refused, creating more friction between both sides. Red Sox owner John Henry then flew to Kansas City ahead of Boston’s series with the Royals to speak with Devers.

The relationship never improved, and the front office led by general manager Craig Breslow and president Sam Kennedy decided to part with Devers.

After all his issues with the Red Sox, Devers told reporters Tuesday during his Giants introduction that he would play anywhere for San Francisco — including first base.

“I’m here to give my 100 percent. I don’t put any buts. They’re the men in charge. I am here to play wherever they want me to play,” Devers said through a team interpreter.

Giants manager Bob Melvin said Devers will begin taking grounders at first base to get acclimated to the position.

“He told us, ‘I’ll play wherever you want me to play, I’ll hit wherever you want me to hit,'” Melvin told reporters, including MLB.com’s Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru. “He’s going to DH today, hit in the three-spot. We’re going to work him in and get him some ground balls at first and make sure he’s comfortable before we put him over there. That’s pretty much the way we’re looking at it right now, a little bit of DH, a little bit of first.”

Devers will make his Giants debut tonight at home against the Cleveland Guardians. The three-time All-Star is hitting .272/.401/.504 this season with 15 home runs, 18 doubles, and a 153 OPS+.

By Matt Higgins
Matt Higgins worked in national and local news for 15 years. He started out as an overnight production assistant ... More about Matt Higgins
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