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Rafael Devers traded to the San Francisco Giants

Rafael Devers traded to the San Francisco Giants

MLB DraftKings Network Rail

Updated:

By: Stan Son

Rafael Devers signed with the Boston Red Sox in August of 2013 at the age of 16 years old. He was regarded as one of the best left-hand hitting international prospects. He is now considered one of the best left-hand batters in MLB.

It took Devers a few years to make it to the majors, but once he arrived, the success was imminent. During his rookie season, he slashed .284/.338/.482 with 10 home runs, 34 runs, 30 RBI and three stolen bases. The ISO was .198 and strikeout rate was 23.8%.

Outside of a shortened 2020 season, Devers belted at least 20 home runs in every season, with three of those over 30 home runs.

Devers is a three-time All-Star, a World Series champion and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner.

In 330 plate appearances this season, Devers is slashing .271/.400/.494 with 14 home runs, 46 runs, 57 RBI and a stolen base. The walk rate is 16.7%, strikeout rate is 23% and ISO is .223. All of that production came as being the designated hitter.

There were issues this season after Devers did not want to change positions after the acquisition of Alex Bregman. Then, when Triston Casas succumbed to injury, he declined to play first base.

On Sunday, the Red Sox shipped the disgruntled slugger to the San Francisco Giants.

The Red Sox are acquiring Jordan Hicks, a 28-year old right-handed pitcher who throws hard, but was demoted from the starting rotation and is now in the bullpen, and Kyle Harrison, a 23-year old left-handed pitcher who has increased his average fastball from 93 mph to 95 mph this season. He has a career 4.56 FIP in three seasons.

The Giants currently have Matt Chapman manning third base, but he is rehabbing a sprained right hand and is on track to return in a week. Chapman is one of the best defensive third basemen in MLB, so his position is secure. The most likely scenario is that Devers will continue to DH. That would bump Wilmer Flores from that role.

Devers is such a good hitter that he would have success anywhere. That said, he gets a huge park downgrade, going from Fenway Park to Oracle Park. At least he will get some games in Coors Field now.

Stan Son
Stan joined DraftKings in December of 2020. It was a glorious time, except for that whole COVID thing, when we got Madden streams and boisterous bat flips from the KBO. I was brought on board to bring some West Coast flavor. I especially love hoops, and most of my content is in that arena. When I walk along the beach, strumming my guitar, the beat that I hear is not one of crashing waves. No, it is the beat of the ball bouncing off the hardwood with highs provided by the squeaks of the sneakers. Ball is life.
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