SAN FRANCISCO — Rafael Devers strolled into the clubhouse side-by-side with house run king Barry Bonds, a fellow left-handed slugger who San Francisco’s new large hitter has lengthy admired from afar.
“I feel simply him my recreation has already improved lots,” Devers joked as he was formally launched by the Giants on Tuesday, when he was set to be designated hitter batting third within the collection opener in opposition to the Cleveland Guardians.
Devers is set to depart his personal lasting mark on the franchise in what’s a much-needed contemporary begin for him and a monumental mid-season acquisition for Buster Posey and San Francisco’s entrance workplace.
And no matter went fallacious in Boston, Devers is completed discussing any points he had with the Purple Sox and keen to maneuver ahead throughout the nation with the Giants.
“That is up to now now, I am wanting forward and specializing in what I’ve right here being a San Francisco Large,” Devers mentioned. “I am desperate to go on the market and play and see what I can do.”
With a shiny smile to match his shiny new No. 16 jersey, Devers insisted he’ll play any place — “I am right here to play wherever they need me to play” — and do no matter supervisor Bob Melvin and his workers ask.
“I actually like his solutions by the best way,” mentioned Posey, in his first yr as president of baseball operations.
The Giants will tackle a mega contract after Devers signed a brand new $331 million, 11-year deal in January 2023. He joins a number of different stars right here with long-term contracts — shortstop Willy Adames has a seven-year, $182 million deal and third baseman Matt Chapman at $151 million over six years by 2030 — as Posey builds a roster he expects will compete for one more World Sequence championship, like those the Giants gained with him as their star catcher in 2010, ’12 and ’14.
San Francisco final made the playoffs in 2021, when it gained a franchise-record 107 video games and edged the rival Dodgers for the NL West title on the ultimate day.
“I feel this group has expertise, they’ve gained championships. I’m right here to play, to win and to win a championship,” Devers mentioned by an interpreter.
Posey thanked possession for its willingness to go for it and traded for Devers to spice up a membership that has lacked energy and struggled to attain runs for prolonged stretches this yr. The commerce introduced Sunday got here collectively up to now few weeks after numerous hours and conversations.
“I feel the persistence actually paid off,” chairman Greg Johnson mentioned.
Whereas the Giants will step by step get Devers in control enjoying the sphere once more since he has strictly been a DH this yr, they know he has loads of mentors keen to assist. Devers was scheduled to do some fielding work at first base, the very place he did not wish to play after shedding his spot at third when the Purple Sox signed Alex Bregman to a $120 million, three-year contract in February to be their third baseman — the spot the place Devers made 130 begins final yr.
“When you could have a man like Barry Bonds round, arguably the best hitter of all-time, it is an additional benefit for certain,” Posey mentioned.
It’s going to solely be a matter of days earlier than Devers’ first reunion with the Purple Sox, who go to Oracle Park for a weekend collection.
He was batting .271 with 14 house runs and 57 RBIs over 72 video games as Boston’s main DH. When requested what the variations shall be as he begins anew, Devers famous: “It is the identical baseball. I am right here to provide my 100%.”
The 28-year-old Devers hadn’t been thrilled with the concept of enjoying first base in Boston however thanked the individuals who cheered him, calling them “nice followers who supported me my entire time there.”
After all of the fanfare of his introduction and receiving his jersey in entrance of most of his teammates, who made time to be at his information convention earlier than doing their pregame routines, Devers started working.
“The Giants introduced me right here for a motive and I’ll give 100%,” he mentioned. “I am now blissful to be a part of the crew.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
