Rafael Devers’ arrival in San Francisco was supposed to be a game-changer. The Giants landed the superstar slugger in a blockbuster deal with the Boston Red Sox, absorbing the bulk of his $313 million contract and hoping his bat would supercharge the offense.
But less than a month into his Bay Area tenure, questions are already surfacing. And not just about his production, but now, his commitment.
Rafael Devers Misses Key First Base Workout
According to Red Sox broadcaster Will Flemming, Devers recently skipped a planned first base workout with Giants legend and coach Will Clark. The workout was meant to help Devers transition to the position. A move he had publicly embraced after resisting similar requests in Boston.
“I was there the second day Will Clark was there to work on ground balls with him on first base and Raffy didn’t show up,” Flemming told WEEI. “So, that’s the person these guys have been dealing with for a long time.”
Concerns Mount as Numbers Dip
Since joining San Francisco, Devers is slashing just .240/.348/.387 with two home runs. However, a sharp drop from his Boston stats (.272/.401/.504). While it’s early in his Giants stint, missing a key position workout isn’t helping perceptions, especially after his Red Sox exit included multiple refusals to change positions.
With eight years remaining on his massive deal, the Giants are clearly playing the long game. But early red flags both on and off the field have fans and analysts wondering if San Francisco may have inherited more than just a powerful bat.
For now, Devers has a chance to turn the tide. But skipping foundational work could prove costly in winning over a new clubhouse and fanbase.
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