Rafael Devers Career Move from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants

Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Rafael Devers Traded to Giants: Bet the Under on the San Francisco Swing?
Devers is officially heading west. The former Boston Red Sox star has been dealt to the Giants in a blockbuster trade that’s sent shockwaves through both fanbases—and lit up the futures markets in Vegas. But while Devers may be relieved to leave the pressure cooker of Fenway Park, it’s fair to wonder: did his power numbers just enter a cold Bay Area fog?
San Francisco Isn’t Friendly to Left-Handed Power
It’s no secret that Oracle Park is a graveyard for offense, particularly for left-handed hitters who thrive on pulling the ball. Since its inception, the stadium has ranked among the worst in MLB for lefty home run production. The ballpark’s dimensions, cool air, and swirling winds suppress slugging—unless your name is Barry Bonds.
Devers’ game has historically leaned into Fenway’s quirky dimensions. As a classic lefty pull hitter, he made a living launching missiles over the Green Monster in Boston. According to Statcast, 35% of his career home runs would not have left the park in San Francisco. That’s a concerning metric for a player whose value is tightly linked to his power output.
Even elite hitters like Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford struggled to produce eye-popping numbers over a full season in San Francisco in years past. Beyond Barry Bonds and Buster Posey, the list of great Giants hitters in the past 20 years is thin. The same park that once humbled Mike Yastrzemski will now test Devers in his prime.
Buy or Sell: Better Career in San Francisco?
Sell. While Devers may enjoy a change in lifestyle and a break from the relentless Boston media, it’s difficult to project a better statistical career in the Bay Area. His best seasons—like the 2021 campaign, where he hit 38 HR and drove in 113 RBI—came at Fenway with lineup protection and a hitter-friendly environment.
San Francisco offers a better chance at team success—if the front office can build around him—but the counting stats will almost certainly dip. That has ramifications not only for fantasy managers but also for bettors in the player prop markets.
Devers’ Betting Outlook: Lower Your Expectations
If you’re looking at Devers’ 2025 season totals, this trade screams “Under.” Sportsbooks had projected his home run total around 31.5 in early futures markets before the trade. Post-trade, expect that number to be adjusted down significantly—perhaps closer to 25.5 or even 24.5, depending on lineup context and early spring results.
The same goes for total bases, slugging percentage, and RBI. Unless the Giants overhaul their offensive approach and bring in serious protection, Devers may struggle to replicate his Boston productivity.
Betting Recommendation:
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Under 2025 Home Runs
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Under Total Bases
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Avoid Devers in MVP Futures (at current odds)
This isn’t about talent—Devers remains an elite bat. It’s about geometry and geography. Oracle Park takes big bats and makes them human.
Bonus Note: Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers 2+ Cy Youngs? Sell.
While we’re talking futures, let’s address the Misiorowski hype. Yes, he has electric stuff. Yes, the strikeout rate is eye-popping. But the injury attrition rate for young pitchers remains terrifyingly high. With guys like Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies (for now), and a healthy Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves in the mix, projecting Misiorowski for two Cy Young Awards feels aggressive.
Betting Verdict:
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1 Cy Young? Sure.
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2+? That’s a “Sell" unless you’re getting serious longshot odds.
The arm talent is real. But so is the risk. Pitcher futures should be approached with caution—and a short memory.
Bottom Line:
Devers’ move to San Francisco is a cultural and lifestyle win, but a statistical setback. Bet accordingly.
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