SF Giants manager Tony Vitello surprised by mixed reception from Boston Red Sox fans

Rafael Devers returned to Fenway Park for the first time since being traded and received a mixed reception from Boston Red Sox fans. This surprised SF Giants manager Tony Vitello, who even suggested that those who booed Devers are new to the fan base.

Of course, Devers spent his entire career with Boston before a surprise trade in June of 2025 that sent him to San Francisco. He joined the organization as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic during the 2013-2014 international signing cycle.

Since then, the power-hitting bat established himself as one of the best hitters in Boston’s long history. This includes three All-Star selections, two Silver Slugger Awards, and one World Series ring.

That championship title came in just Devers’ second season with Boston. He was not a star hitter at that point, but he did have a 1.082 OPS in 15 plate appearances against the Houston Astros during the 2018 ALCS.

SF Gints slugger Rafael Devers’ departure from Boston Ref Sox is still raw in the minds of many fans

There were plenty of highlights during Devers’ time in a Red Sox uniform, even if his tenure ended on a sour note. There was a breakdown in communication from the front office that prompted a position change.

Devers was not receptive to the lack of communication, which eventually led to the trade to San Francisco. Since then, the Giants have struggled badly, but it is hardly connected to the trade itself. This iteration of the roster has too many holes, especially on the pitching side.

The Giants will now try to avoid a 100-loss season, but they have five weeks remaining to correct that. On the other hand, the Red Sox are pushing for a playoff appearance.

Despite this, the return of Devers is still raw in the minds or many Red Sox fans. When he stepped to the plate in the first inning, there was plenty of applause, mixed in with a healthy dose of boos.

Tony Vitello suggested to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area that those who booed Devers were new to the fan base. He also added that those who cheered him remembered the 2018 title run.

In Devers’ second at-bat, he launched a solo shot to bring the Giants to within one run. That was one of the few highlights in a 6-4 defeat.

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