As the fog descends upon Oracle Park, a baseball drama years in the making is set to unfold. The weekend series between the San Francisco Giants and the Boston Red Sox crackles with narrative tension. The main attraction, of course, is Giants’ new power hitter Rafael Devers, who gets to face his old team for the first time. His arrival was hailed as a “Devers fest,” but it came from a “toxic divorce” in Boston. The ultimate irony now hangs over this reunion, a delicious bit of baseball poetry waiting to be written.

The conflict reached its peak just a few weeks ago. Boston’s first baseman, Triston Casas, went down with a season-ending knee injury in May. The Red Sox front office asked Devers, their DH, to play a new position. Devers publicly refused, citing broken promises. He claimed the team told him to “put away my glove” in spring training. “I just feel like it’s not an appropriate decision,” Devers stated, cementing a divide that proved too wide to cross.

Now, in a shocking reversal, Devers is singing a completely different tune by the Bay. The same player who flatly rejected the move in Boston now wants to face it. His new approach was crystal clear when he was questioned about playing first base against the Red Sox. Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported Devers’ fresh perspective. “I really don’t know a timetable, but I know I’m going to try and get there as fast as I can and be ready whenever the team needs me,” Devers said.

For Devers, it wasn’t just about learning a new position—it was about proving himself to his coaches and teammates. He made it clear that whenever the manager and coaches decided he was ready, he would be prepared to step in and give his all.

As if that change of heart wasn’t enough, Raffy added a little spice to the upcoming series. He isn’t just looking to play; he’s looking to dominate his former club. As a post from Boston Strong indicates, Devers “wants to sweep the Red Sox this weekend.” It’s a bold declaration, considering the last time the Giants swept Boston was in 1915. This isn’t just a game; for Devers, it appears to be a mission to prove a point.

Manager Bob Melvin has been direct about the plan for his new star. “A little bit of DH and a little bit of first,” Melvin confirmed. He stressed the team will ensure Devers is comfortable before putting him on the field. The message from the organization is clear: they acquired an elite bat and will find the best way to keep it in the lineup every single day.

But for Devers to get his shot at revenge, the Giants will have to figure out their own complicated infield puzzle. Where does one superstar fit into a machine with so many moving parts? It’s a fascinating game of strategy playing out in San Francisco.

Rafael Devers’ arrival: Shaking up the Giants’ infield

The Giants had a system in place at first base when Devers got there. They were platooning the left-handed Dominic Smith and the right-handed Wilmer Flores. Smith has been hot, posting a .900 OPS in his first 38 at-bats with the team. Meanwhile, Flores is delivering reliably with 11 home runs. Devers’ presence as a DH and eventual first baseman complicates their roles significantly, turning everyday players into high-value backups.

There are a lot of people wondering why Devers doesn’t just play third. The answer is Matt Chapman. The five-time Gold Glove winner is one of the best defenders in baseball at the hot corner. His +3 Fielding Run Value is evident. With Chapman injured, Casey Schmitt has capably filled in. Furthermore, the Giants’ top prospect, Bryce Eldridge, is a first baseman in Triple-A. The plan appears to be a future Devers-Eldridge duo, creating a long-term power tandem.

This aggressive move signals the Giants are all-in for 2025. At 41-32, they are well-positioned to make the playoffs. Their offense has been mediocre and is among the bottom third in the league with a .233 team batting average. But their pitching has been elite in a 3.27 team ERA that represents the third-best in MLB. Devers’ bat could be the last piece of the puzzle for a team with World Series aspirations.

The stage is set at Oracle Park. Will it be a story of sweet revenge or a painful reminder for Boston?