There aren’t many teams around MLB off to a more disappointing start to the 2026 season than the San Francisco Giants—aside from maybe the New York Mets.
An 18-25 first 43 games under new manager Tony Vitello has not been pretty at times, and as a result, talk of major changes to the veteran core of the roster has already begun to surface. While that shouldn’t come as a surprise, what did was a recent mention by insider Bob Nightengale referring to Rafael Devers as part of a group of contracts the Giants would love to unload.
“Rivals wonder who could go next. The Giants would love to unload outfielder Jung Hoo Lee ($85 million left on his contract), shortstop Willy Adames ($161 million remaining), first baseman Rafael Devers ($226.5 million remaining) and Matt Chapman ($125 million remaining) and start over. They just don’t have that luxury,”
The 29-year-old Devers has eight years remaining on the 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension he originally signed with the Boston Red Sox back in 2023. He’s hitting .247 with five home runs and 18 RBI through the first 43 games of the 2026 campaign.
Moving on from Devers less than a year after acquiring him in a blockbuster trade from the Red Sox feels premature, even if San Francisco decides to start selling sooner rather than later.
That said, now may not be the time for the Giants to continue pushing to contend with Devers and company in a loaded NL West featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Arizona Diamondbacks.
The MLB trade deadline isn’t until August 3, but that doesn’t mean teams won’t try to get ahead of things. Barring a major turnaround, San Francisco will certainly be one to monitor moving forward.
Next: Does Matthew Knies Outvalue Auston Matthews on the Trade Market?
