To start, let’s look at Rafael Devers and Christian Campbell. They might be on different coasts and in different tiers of baseball now, but they share a view on the recent trade involving Devers, who was moved to the Giants on Sunday. They both seem to agree that Devers isn’t particularly keen on making the switch from second base to first base, especially when he feels he’s not getting the same level of selflessness in return.
Reportedly, Devers felt that Campbell, a top prospect, was more interested in the position change for his own benefit rather than for the team’s, especially considering the circumstances surrounding Devers this season.
Devers wasn’t thrilled about relinquishing third base for rookie Alex Bregman but eventually agreed to be a designated hitter instead. He apparently also resisted moving to first base after Triston Casas’s injury, prompting the Red Sox to turn to Campbell for help before a game.
“That was unfair,” Campbell remarked to reporters after joining the Red Sox from Triple-A Worcester. “Raffy never consulted me about it. There weren’t any issues between us; we were good friends. He’s really a great guy and a solid teammate.”
Campbell added that the Red Sox reached out to him about playing first base, particularly after Casas’s injury. He felt it was best for the team, so he agreed.
Interestingly, neither Devers nor Campbell has been playing first base now. Campbell’s performance has led him back to the minors, while Devers was traded to the Giants in a surprising move the previous week.
Before the Giants faced the Red Sox in their next series, Devers brushed aside claims that his willingness to adapt was lacking, despite what others might say.
According to Devers, he intends to play first base at some point with the Giants and wishes he could have discussed a possible transition earlier, perhaps during spring training rather than in the middle of the season.
