SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rafael Devers' first Spring Training with the Giants is off to a drama-free start, a welcome change of pace from the turbulence he experienced at Red Sox camp in 2025.
At this time last year, Devers was facing questions about where he would play following the arrival of Alex Bregman, a fellow All-Star third baseman who joined Boston on a three-year, $120 million deal. Devers initially said he would prefer not to move off his natural position to accommodate Bregman, but he later shifted his tone and reluctantly agreed to serve as the Red Sox’s designated hitter to make room for Bregman.
Still, tensions flared again when Devers refused to play first base following a season-ending injury to Triston Casas, prompting the Red Sox to trade Devers to the Giants last June.
Devers, of course, ended up getting a crash course at first base in San Francisco, where he made 28 starts at the position in 2025. That number should increase significantly this year, as the 29-year-old slugger is expected to serve as the Giants’ primary first baseman now that he’s signed through 2033.
“I feel really good,” Devers said in Spanish on Tuesday. “I just thank God for giving me another opportunity to be here at Spring Training. I worked on what I needed to work on, which was to come ready to play first base, and I think I feel really comfortable.”
Devers has turned the page on his messy exit from Boston, but his unwillingness to learn first base there evidently left a sour taste in the mouth of Red Sox chairman Tom Werner.
"I don’t like to speak ill of any player. I’d like to say that he’s a wonderful person,” Werner told The Boston Globe earlier this week. “But, of course, when we had an injury at first base, his unwillingness to play that position was extremely discouraging.
“It was a discouraging episode. Just pick up a glove.”
Devers’ response?
"That’s in the past,” Devers said. “I’m the type of person that doesn’t like to look back. My focus is on this organization. I’m here now.”
Devers also chose not to weigh in on Bregman, who opted out of his contract with the Red Sox after one season and left to sign a five-year, $175 million deal with the Cubs over the winter.
“I don’t use any social media, I’m not online,” Devers said. “That’s in the past. They have their organization. This is my organization. I have to give it my all here.”
Devers batted .236 with an .807 OPS and 20 home runs over 90 games with San Francisco last year, but the Giants are eager to see what he can do over a full season with the club. He regularly flashes his big left-handed power during batting practice, driving several balls into the Charro Lodge that overlooks right field at Scottsdale Stadium on Tuesday.
"Coming in, I already knew what he could do for our lineup and what type of year he can put together,” manager Tony Vitello said. “He's a presence in the lineup that can affect how the other team has to game plan. I've had to be in the dugout when you're game planning against a guy like that. You know it makes the other guys in the lineup better, too.”
Devers will be counted on to anchor a lineup that features a cast of core players in Willy Adames, Matt Chapman, Heliot Ramos, and Jung Hoo Lee, as well as a pair of newcomers in Luis Arraez and Harrison Bader.
"I think we have a really good lineup,” said Devers, whose goal is to hit 30 or more home runs in 2026. “We can compete with anyone. Our lineup is scary.”
With Devers projected to play first base, the Giants can afford to stay patient with No. 1 prospect Bryce Eldridge, who isn’t guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster. The two represent a bit of a roster redundancy since they’re both left-handed-hitting first basemen, but Devers said he’d like to see Eldridge get a chance to contribute in the Majors.
"We see that he’s working really hard,” Devers said. “We know the type of ballplayer he is and the numbers that he’s put up in the Minor Leagues. We should give him an opportunity because he’s a young guy, and we all know that we’re always working to improve.”
Devers doesn’t consider himself the most vocal leader in the Giants’ clubhouse, but he was among the players who spoke up during a team meeting that was held prior to the club’s first full-squad workout on Sunday.
"I always try to say positive things,” Devers said. “I always try to help my teammates as much as I can, both with hitting and with the experience that I have in the league. I like to do the little things. I don’t really want them to call me a leader, but they’re things that I always do to help my teammates.”