When a star says he is willing to play “anywhere the team needs,” fans think follow-through. That was the sentiment Rafael Devers shared at the time of his Giants intro after arriving in a high-profile trade from the Red Sox. “I’m here to give my 100 percent. They’re the men in charge and I’m here to play wherever they want me to play.” However, just weeks later, that promise is under fire because when a legend of the Giants showed up to help Devers transition to first base, he did not.
Will Clark, the six-time All-Star whose No. 22 jersey hangs retired at Oracle Park, was there with a purpose. As per Red Sox broadcaster Will Flemming, “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. So that’s the person that these guys have been dealing with for a long time.” This stung, not just because of the missed scope, but also because of who was waiting.
This was not a rookie or a bench star skipping drills. It was a team that did not show up for a rare chance to work with the most respected star in the Giants’ history. To make matters worse, the former Red Sox star has not played a single inning at first base since joining the Giants, despite his public claim of openness to the idea.
That disconnect is what is lighting the fire. The Giants had cleared the deck to bring Devers in, and for them, the optics of snubbing a legend while not providing defensively do not sit well. Even worse, it is beginning to mirror some old trend—ones the Giants likely thought they left in the Red Sox.
Rafael Devers was invited to workout at 1B with the Giants legend Will Clark and he decided to not show up.
Via: @WillFlemming
pic.twitter.com/APPepkPX5L
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) July 8, 2025
While Devers’ snub of a team icon stirred questions related to his mindset, it is his on-field issues and the cost the Giants paid that have turned up the heat. Fans thought they would have fireworks—what they are getting instead is frustration and fading momentum.
Devers early issues fuel doubts as Giants pay the price
When the Giants pulled the trigger on the blockbuster deal to acquire Rafael Devers, the aim was simple: inject life into a sputtering offense. The timing looked perfect—the Giants were tied atop the NL West, looking for a true middle-of-the-order presence. However, since Devers’ arrival, the team has lost 11 of its last 19 games and slid seven games out of first place. Such a slump has coincided with Devers hitting just .239 with a .394 slugging percentage, which is far below the expectations tied to the star’s All-Star resume and massive deal.
Despite the shaky beginning, one AL executive defended the move. “They clearly have had trouble attracting marquee, middle-of-the-order, name-brand bats,” he said to The Athletic. “So I hope it works for them… I don’t think they’ll really miss anything they gave up if Rafael Devers is a good player for them.” This is a big if and the fans are beginning to wonder if the Giants paid too steep a cost for a struggling star.
To make the deal happen, the team gave up lefty starter Kyle Harrison, hard-throwing Jordan Hicks, 2024 first-rounder James Tibbs III and pitching prospect Jose Bello. While the Giants have depth in arms, that is still a sizeable haul for a star who, so far, has not played first base as promised. Then, with stars like Willy Adames underwhelming and Matt Chapman just returning from injury, the pressure on Devers to play effectively is only growing.
Yes, the Giants needed a jolt. However, early returns are shaky at best. It is not just related to what Devers is not doing, however, related to the ripple effect it is causing across the team’s performance and morale. A fanbase that was once buzzing is now murmuring. The front office made its move—now all eyes are on whether Devers can live up to the weight of the gamble.
`
The post Rafael Devers Faces Criticism as Giants Legend’s Snub Adds Heat Amid Slump Concerns appeared first on EssentiallySports.