How Giants Player Reacted To Rafael Devers Trade During Game

News of the Boston Red Sox trading Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants offered interesting timing for all parties.

The Red Sox went over .500 by concluding a sweep over the New York Yankees on Sunday afternoon. Later that evening, the conversation shifted to Boston reportedly dealing Devers to the Giants for two pitchers (Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks) and two prospects (James Thibbs and Jose Bello).

Meanwhile, the blockbuster broke right before the Giants began a “Sunday Night Baseball” clash against the Los Angeles Dodgers. That allowed ESPN to get live reaction from one of Devers’ new teammates.

ESPN’s broadcasters interviewed Willy Adames as he played defense during the bottom of the second inning. The shortstop, who signed with San Francisco last offseason, said the team learned of the trade around 15-20 minutes before the game.

In fact, Harrison was throwing in the bullpen preparing to start. Sean Hjelle instead made his first career major-league start, yielding two runs in 3 2/3 innings.

Adames was eager to welcome Devers to the Bay Area.

“Everybody’s so excited,” Adames said. “For me personally, I’m thrilled to have him on the team. Obviously, he’s one of the best hitters in the game. To have him on the team, I think is going to help us to do a lot of damage in this division.”

The Giants entered Sunday night just one game behind the Dodgers in the National League West. However, outfielder Heliot Ramos is their only active hitter (excluding Dominic Smith in 10 games) with an OPS over .800.

Meanwhile, Devers brings a .272/.401/.504 slash line and 15 home runs to San Francisco’s lineup. He’ll look to slug at least .500 for the fifth straight season.

After his position received so much attention in Boston, it’ll be interesting to see where Devers plays for his new team. Although he’s currently sidelined with a hand injury, the Giants presumably won’t move five-time Gold Glove winner Matt Chapman from the hot corner when he returns.