The San Francisco Giants are emerging from the All-Star break with some clear playoff expectations after pulling off a surprising move well ahead of the trade deadline.
After adding win-now veterans like Willy Adames and Justin Verlander to the roster this past winter, president of baseball operations Buster Posey brought in franchise slugger Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox. Given that Devers is still owed more than $250 million, it was a clear sign that the Giants see themselves in the midst of a championship window.
Unfortunately, the early returns on the Devers trade haven’t been great for the Giants.
Devers was slashing .272/.401/.504 for the Red Sox this season before the move and he has logged a .202/.330/.326 line with just two homers in his 109 at-bats with the Giants since then. Though it’s too early to hit the panic button on the slugger, Posey attempted to reassure fans with a message about their new slugger as concerns grow.
“What can you tell fans about that very, very tough first month for Devers and how are you processing it?” Posey was asked during a recent appearance on KNBR radio.
“This guy’s been in one organization his entire life,” Posey responded, per KNBR. “Now to come over and everything is different. Not just the ballpark and teammates but where you’re living. So it’s an adjustment period. … It’s just a matter of time before he gets going.”
Giants fans might be encouraged to remember Devers’ slow start to this season, which gave way to an impressive hot streak just before he was traded. He was the first player in Major League Baseball history to record at least 12 strikeouts in the first four games.
For now, Posey and the Giants can chalk up the disappointing Devers debut to a natural lull, despite some growing concerns from the fanbase.
More MLB: Yankees’ Aaron Judge Offers 3-Word Response on Breaking Babe Ruth’s Franchise Record
The post Giants’ Buster Posey Sends Rafael Devers Message as Concerns Mount appeared first on Newsweek.
