Rafael Devers, the former Boston Red Sox star, entered his first full season with the San Francisco Giants on May 26, 2026, and the pressure is mounting. The Giants’ front office and fans alike are watching his early numbers, hoping he can shed the early‑season slump that has lingered since his mid‑2025 trade.
Devers, acquired in a July 31, 2025 three‑team deal, has yet to match the All‑Star production that made him a staple in Boston’s lineup. With the season’s Memorial Day milepost behind them, the organization is urging him to put those struggles in the “rear‑view mirror” and contribute to a playoff‑bound club.
Why the slump matters for San Francisco
San Francisco Giants have seen a dip in offensive output at Oracle Park, and Devers’ underperformance is a focal point. According to MLB.com analyst Brian Murphy, he is one of ten hitters needing a rapid course correction to help the club stay competitive. The team’s win‑loss record sits just above .500, and a surge from Devers could be the catalyst to push them into the NL West race.
Devers’ numbers at the 26‑game mark
Devers is batting .226 with a .312 on‑base percentage, well below his career .285 average. His slugging sits at .398, reflecting a loss of power that once made him a 30‑home‑run threat. The former All‑Star’s wRC+ of 85 signals sub‑league‑average run creation, a stark contrast to his 125 wRC+ in 2023. The numbers reveal a 12‑run deficit per 100 games compared with his 2024 output, according to FanGraphs. The Giants’ coaching staff has emphasized adjustments to his swing path and launch angle during daily video sessions.
Key Developments
- Devers was traded from the Boston Red Sox on July 31, 2025 in a three‑team deal that also involved the New York Mets.
- He became the Giants’ everyday first baseman on Opening Day, a role he retained despite the early slump.
- Brian Murphy highlighted Devers as one of ten hitters with early‑season struggles needing correction, underscoring league‑wide attention to his slump.
What’s next for the Giants?
If Devers can raise his OPS above .800 in the next month, the Giants could see a 15‑run per 100‑games boost, enough to swing close games in their favor. The front office is monitoring his plate‑discipline metrics daily, ready to adjust his spot in the lineup or consider a platoon to spark production. While the San Francisco Giants remain in a tight division race, Devers’ turnaround will likely dictate whether the club clinches a wild‑card berth or settles for a rebuilding year.
Rafael Devers knows the stakes. The former Red Sox star has spoken openly about the “new chapter” in San Francisco, saying he wants to prove he can still hit for power and average. The numbers show his strikeout rate has crept to 28%, up from 22% last season, a trend the coaching staff hopes to reverse with a more compact swing.
San Francisco Giants are betting on Devers to be the missing piece. The organization’s analytics department projects that a 0.050 increase in Devers’ slugging could add roughly ten wins over the second half of the season, a margin that could separate a playoff team from a mid‑table finish.
How did Rafael Devers perform in Boston before the trade?
In his last full season with the Red Sox (2024), Devers posted a .287 average, 28 home runs, and a 1.02 OPS, earning an All‑Star selection and finishing third in AL MVP voting.
What adjustments is the Giants coaching staff making?
The staff has focused on shortening Devers’ swing to increase barrel rate and adjusting his launch angle to 12‑14 degrees, aiming to restore his power output.
When is the next opportunity for Devers to prove himself?
The upcoming series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 1 offers a high‑profile stage, as the Dodgers’ pitching staff features elite strikeout arms that will test Devers’ contact skills.
