Buster Posey gave the San Francisco Giants a new toy for the lineup in Rafael Devers. Now, manager Bob Melvin has to figure out where to play him.
Devers spent all of this season so far as the DH in Boston and then refused to play first base. Posey has made it very clear he’s going to try to avoid some of the same mistakes Craig Breslow made, even going as far as working through it with Devers.
“I think that’s a conversation that we’re going to have to have with him,” Posey told Justice de los Santos of The Mercury News on Sunday night. “I want to do my best to be upfront and transparent with these guys and make sure we’re on the same page. That’s a conversation for myself, Zack (Minasian), and Bob to have with him.”
Devers’ position in the short term could very well be different than his position long-term. The Giants have a few injuries that are starting to add up.
“For the time being, the Giants may not have to worry about finding Devers a position,” wrote de los Santos. “If Chapman and (Casey) Schmitt are both out, Devers stands to slide right in (at third base).”
Not only will the Giants have to figure things out once Chapman returns, they also have Bryce Eldridge knocking on the doors of the major leagues over at first base.
“In acquiring Devers, San Francisco added an impact bat without calling up its top prospect,” wrote de los Santos. “Eldridge has struggled out of the gate with Sacramento, posting a .498 OPS over 11 games. Devers’ presence allows the Giants to be more patient with Eldridge. … Come next season, though, the Giants will have to figure out that part of this arrangement. Devers is signed through the end of the 2033 season.”
It’s likely Devers could play first base for the remainder of the season in San Francisco once Chapman returns. For next season and beyond, it’s still up in the air. Melvin isn’t too concerned about defense, at least for right now. He’s just thrilled at the idea of having a new piece offensively.
“This fits us perfectly,” Melvin told reporters on Sunday. “It’s a power left-handed bat, a guy that can go the other way and hit for power in our ballpark. It’s just tailor-made for us. Kudos to the front office to swing this.”
The Giants have some time to figure things out with Devers, but it will go by fast. Posey’s plan has to be decided upon sooner rather than later.
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