Rafael Devers is fed up. And honestly, you can kind of see why.
The San Francisco Giants star took aim at the media Monday afternoon before a game against the Athletics, saying reporters blow everything out of proportion. His exact words, delivered in Spanish: “The media, in general, you guys just blow everything out of proportion, and I think that’s a reflection of why I really don’t talk to you guys.”
The clip, posted by Foul Territory, spread fast. It wasn’t some random venting session either. Devers was responding directly to the fallout from Sunday’s loss to the Marlins, a sweep that dropped the Giants to 31-46 and 18 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West. That’s bad. Real bad.
What Set Him Off
In the ninth inning Sunday, Devers drew a walk. Then manager Tony Vitello pulled him for a pinch runner. Devers initially waved the runner off, looking toward the dugout like he wanted to stay in the game. When that didn’t work, he sat in the dugout looking visibly frustrated. Two batters later, Willy Adames grounded into a double play. Game over.
Devers later said he thought his previous injury history was why Vitello lifted him. He wasn’t happy about it. The whole scene looked worse because the Giants kept losing.
But here’s the thing. This isn’t just one bad series for Devers. This has been going on for a while.
His Numbers in San Francisco Tell a Different Story
Since the Giants traded for Devers from the Red Sox, his production cratered. In 167 games with San Francisco, he’s hitting .237. This season alone: .236 with 11 homers, 36 RBIs and 35 runs scored. That’s not what you expect from a guy who was one of the most feared hitters in baseball from 2019 through 2024.
In that stretch — not counting the COVID-shortened 2020 season — Devers averaged 32 homers and over 105 RBIs per year. The power is still there in flashes. But his walk rate dropped off hard, and his on-base percentage barely sits above .300.
That’s a steep fall for a 29-year-old former All-Star who used to crush baseballs at Fenway Park.
The Giants have bigger issues than one frustrated postgame interview. They’re 18 games back in June. Their star player is clearly unhappy. And the trade deadline is coming. The rumor mill is already spinning about whether San Francisco will be sellers.
Devers may have a point about the media making things bigger than they are. But when your team is losing and your best player isn’t producing, the cameras are going to stay pointed your way.
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