Rafael Devers booed by Red Sox fans in first game at Fenway Park since trade to Giants
Devers protested switching positions and criticized the Red Sox front office before being traded to San Francisco.
Rafael Devers made his debut at Fenway Park on Friday, marking the first time since his trade to the San Francisco Giants in June 2025. While fans may have anticipated a less than enthusiastic reception given the strained relationship with the Red Sox, particularly with chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, the crowd's reaction was a mix of boos and cheers.
During his first at-bat as a Giant, batting second in the lineup, Devers struck out looking on four pitches from Boston starter Sonny Gray. The boos were loud and numerous during his return to the stadium that he once called home. The tension surrounding Devers' trade is believed to stem from his refusal to move from third base to designated hitter when Boston signed Alex Bregman.
After Bregman's arrival, Devers played DH, but when first baseman Triston Casas suffered a patellar tendon rupture, Devers was once again asked to play another position. He resisted this request and criticized the Red Sox front office for not finding a suitable first baseman and not being upfront with him about his role. This led to his eventual trade to the Giants, who welcomed him to play first base, further emphasizing the underlying issue with Breslow and the Red Sox front office.
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