Rafael Devers has expressed a willingness to play first base for the San Francisco Giants, but the slugger’s actions may tell a different story.
The Boston Red Sox traded Devers to the Giants in a stunning blockbuster deal last month. During his introductory press conference with his new team, Devers said he was open to playing first base or any other position the Giants wanted him to play.
According to Red Sox radio broadcaster Will Flemming, the Giants attempted to have Devers put in some work at first base with franchise legend Will Clark. Devers apparently did not show up to the session with the former first baseman.
“They don’t yet know what is gonna happen with the player. I was there the second day. Will Clark was there to work on ground balls with him at first base and Raffy didn’t show up,” Flemming said Monday. “So, that’s the person that these guys have been dealing with for a long time.”
Rafael Devers was invited to workout at 1B with the Giants legend Will Clark and he decided to not show up.
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) July 8, 2025
Via: @WillFlemming
pic.twitter.com/APPepkPX5L
Clark is a six-time All-Star and former Gold Glove Award winner. His No. 22 jersey is retired by the Giants. If Devers actually did stand Clark up, that is certainly a bad look.
Devers was angry with the Red Sox when they signed Alex Bregman over the winter and moved Devers from third base to DH. After Triston Casas suffered a season-ending injury in May, the Red Sox approached Devers about the idea of playing first base. Devers refused and publicly bashed the team’s front office.
That is why fans in Boston were unhappy when Devers said he would play first with the Giants.
Devers had played in 20 games for San Francisco entering Tuesday, and none of them were at first base. It is possible that is the way it will stay, at least for the remainder of his first season with the Giants.
