Projected SF Giants starting lineup after blockbuster Rafael Devers trade

The SF Giants shook up MLB in a major way by trading for Boston Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers. The Giants now have a big bat in the middle of the lineup, so let's take a look at what a projected lineup could look like for San Francisco.

The move may have some ramifications for other veterans on the Giants, but it seems like it is worth it for what Devers brings to the table at the plate. He is currently slashing .272/.401/.504 with 15 home runs and 58 runs batted in.

Projected SF Giants lineup after Rafael Devers trade

A persistent narrative this season for San Francisco has been the team's inability to score runs consistently. Even despite their porous offense, they still have been able to put together a winning record and are right there near the top of the NL West standings thanks in large part to their pitching.

The Devers move seems unlikely to turn the team into an offensive juggernaut, but the lineup does look more formidable with him in it. This projected lineup is going to include players who are currently on the IL like Matt Chapman and Patrick Bailey, but it is meant to reflect the lineup with a fully healthy team.

DH seems to be the spot that makes the most sense for Devers. Chapman is going to be the third baseman as long as he is healthy and Devers chafed at the prospect of playing first base in Boston so having him as the DH makes the most sense and has the added benefit of keeping him healthier.

That lineup certainly looks more formidable with Devers in the No. 3 spot in the order. No, this is not a Los Angeles Dodgers lineup where there is danger basically everywhere you look. However, from Devers to Flores the Giants have four straight hitters who are all on pace to hit more than 20 home runs this season which would be incredibly rare for a Giants team.

Plus, Willy Adames seems to be finding his stride at the plate recently so if he can get the bat going and start to hit more like he did with the Milwaukee Brewers last season, then he could really start to gain some confidence.

If Adames does hit second with Devers right there behind him, that is only going to help Adames out because you know opposing pitchers are not going to want to walk guys and fill up the bases so Devers can do some damage. That means Adames should start getting better pitches to hit. The great thing about a move like the Devers trade is it can help out everyone in the lineup.

One never knows how a trade will pan out, but on paper the move for Devers certainly seems to have made the Giants a lot more formidable on offense as they now have a fearsome left-handed bat right in the middle of the order.