Rafael Devers is playing in his first season as a San Francisco Giant after eight standout years with the Boston Red Sox, arriving via a blockbuster trade that sent Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison plus prospects James Tibbs III and José Bello to Boston. 

Originally signed as an international free agent in 2013, Devers quickly cemented himself as one of baseball’s best left-handed sluggers.

The Giants assumed the entirety of Devers’ 10-year, $313.5 million contract, banking on career accomplishments that include three All-Star selections, two Silver Slugger Awards and his role in Boston’s 2018 World Series championship.

Before the trade, Devers resisted a move off his longtime home at third base—declining to shift over for newcomer Alex Bregman—then, after agreeing to slide into the DH role, he refused a further shift to first base following Triston Casas’ injury.

In San Francisco, he’s reversed course, embracing learning first base to add infield flexibility. 

After the Giants lost another third base option in Christian Koss on Monday due to a hamstring injury, Wilmer Flores was announced to start at the hot corner against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

Giants president of baseball operations, Buster Posey, made the decision that even with Matt Chapman, Casey Schmitt and Koss sidelined, the club has chosen to keep Devers at DH while still viewing him as an option at third.

Chapman strained his right hand diving back to a base on June 8 against the Atlanta Braves and was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to June 9, with right-hand inflammation. His replacement, Schmitt, suffered left-hand inflammation after being hit by a pitch on June 25 against the Miami Marlins and was also moved to the 10-day IL on June 30, leaving the Giants with limited third base options. 

For now, Devers has yet to take the field in 2025, but Posey’s comments suggest he may see time at third base if the need arises.