Rafael Devers was introduced by the Giants on Tuesday for the first time since the Boston Red Sox shipped him out in a blockbuster trade, and he had some comments that might make the Red Sox furious.
A big part of Devers’ tension with the front office stemmed from the team having him change positions. They moved him to be an everyday designated hitter when they signed Alex Bregman. However, when Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury, they reportedly asked him to play first base. Devers apparently felt disrespected by the request and called out chief baseball officer Craig Breslow in the media.
“Here in the clubhouse, thankfully, the relationship that I have with my teammates is great,” Devers said at the time, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “I don’t understand some of the decisions that the GM makes. Next thing you know someone in the outfield gets hurt and they want me to play in the outfield. I think I know the kind of player I am. And yeah, that’s just where I stand.”
Fast forward to his introductory press conference with the Giants, and he is suddenly willing to change positions.
“I’m here to give my 100 percent, I don’t put any buts, they’re the men in charge and I’m here to play whatever they want me to play,” Devers said, per the Boston Herald’s Mac Cerullo.
His comments are disrespectful to the Red Sox organization and Breslow. He was unwilling to change positions for the team he played eight-plus seasons for, but is willing to play wherever he is asked for his new team and new general manager, Buster Posey.
The Giants, like the Red Sox, have an elite third baseman. Although Matt Chapman is hurt, the Red Sox plan to use Devers at DH Tuesday and work him in at first base, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
Devers is a three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and World Series champion. His introduction to the Giants’ lineup will play a big role in their chase of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West.
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