Reason for Rafael Devers' Red Sox exit could become SF Giants' worst nightmare

The SF Giants swung an improbable blockbuster trade for Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers. While the move is very exciting, there is also the potential that the frustration that led to his exit in Boston could repeat itself in San Francisco.

Devers was upset with the Red Sox because they signed third baseman Alex Bregman in the offseason even though third base is where Devers has played basically his entire career. That forced a move to designated hitter, but injuries at first base led to him being asked to play first which he basically refused to do.

SF Giants could face same problems as Red Sox with Rafael Devers

After that, it seems there was just too much frustration on both sides which is why Boston decided to get rid of him even though they gave him a massive contract just a few years ago which seemed to suggest they viewed him as the face of their franchise who they would build around.

Now, he is a Giant and the same conditions that led to his exit in Boston are present in San Francisco. The Giants already have a great third baseman in Matt Chapman which means Devers is most likely only going to see time at first base or as the team's designated hitter.

President of baseball operations Buster Posey and manager Bob Melvin both declined to say where they envision Devers will play for the team until they speak to him first. This is a very wise move because seemingly part of what led to the rift in Boston is that Devers felt he had no say in where he was going to play and that the Red Sox were inconsistent in what they were telling him.

By starting off on the right foot like this, the Giants are hopefully taking a big step towards ensuring Devers will be happier in San Francisco. Plus, Devers is good pals with shortstop Willy Adames so one hopes that his presence on the team will make the transition much smoother.

Posey seems like the perfect sort of guy to get a player to buy into a vision, though. He understands that Devers was disgruntled so he will know he wants to be treated with respect and probably just wants a greater degree of transparency over anything else.

There is definitely the potential for things to go south in San Francisco as well, especially over the course of his contract which goes until 2033. Yet, it seems the Giants are off to a better start and the presence of Adames and Posey should play a big role in making Devers happy to be a Giant.