Red Sox legend David Ortiz has recently softened his previously harsh criticism of Rafael Devers, the former Boston third baseman traded to the San Francisco Giants in June 2025. In a new interview, Ortiz expressed respect and support for Devers, highlighting their longstanding relationship since Devers was a teenager and emphasizing the complexities of professional baseball.
Ortiz’s Previous Criticism of Devers’ Defensive Play and Attitude
During the 2025 season, Ortiz openly criticized Devers following the third baseman’s fractured relationship with the Red Sox. Ortiz’s remarks on Instagram Live last summer targeted Devers’ defensive struggles and fitness, stating,
“So, you were one of the third basemen last year who played the worst defense, and you’re going to show up to training out of shape,”
and pointed out the irony when Devers complained about the Red Sox signing a Gold Glove third baseman.
“They bring in a Gold Glove third baseman because of the deficit you had last year, and you say they’re disrespecting you. No, man, that’s not how you look at baseball.”
Recent Interview Reveals a Shift in Ortiz’s Perspective
However, in a recent conversation on WEEI’s Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast with Rob Bradford, Ortiz presented a more understanding tone. Although he has not spoken directly with Devers, Ortiz acknowledged the respect and affection he holds for the young player.
“I have so much love and respect for Devers,”
Ortiz said.
“Things happen in the game. Other than that, that’s my boy. That’s a kid I got to meet when he was 15. I’m always going to cheer for him. I’m always going to have love and respect for him, because he’s a great player.”
Lessons Learned and Continued Support for Devers’ Growth
Ortiz further emphasized that Devers has grown from the setbacks faced in Boston and predicted those experiences will make him a stronger player moving forward.
“I think what happened with him here, he learned from it. He took it as a lesson and that’s just going to make him a better player and continue to be the beast he is. I’m always wishing him the best. I love watching him hit. That’s something that is unquestionable. I always wish him the best.”
Background of Devers’ Trade and Team Dynamics in Boston
Devers’ season with the Red Sox became complicated after Boston signed Alex Bregman as the new third baseman in free agency, leading to uncertainty about Devers’ role. The situation worsened when first baseman Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury in early May 2025. Although that created a vacancy at first base, Devers resisted moving from designated hitter to fill it, creating tension with the organization and ending in his eventual trade.
Ortiz’s Mid-Season Comments on Devers’ Role and Value
Before the trade was finalized, Ortiz urged Devers to consider the team’s needs and the importance of his position with the organization.
“He needs to know that he’s an important piece for this organization,”
Ortiz said in June 2025.
“He’s doing what he was asked. But yeah, I think he should just think about what would be better for the organization, him at first or him as the DH, and go from there. But we have to give him some time.”
Moving Forward: Rebuilding Relationships and Finding New Beginnings
With Devers starting fresh in San Francisco, Ortiz also seems ready to move on from past grievances. Reflecting on the nature of relationships in baseball, Ortiz remarked,
“Listen, even in the biggest family, [expletive] happens. The baseball relationships you build with people it comes and it goes. But at the end of the day, it’s nothing personal. It’s nothing to hurt anybody’s feeling. It’s just the momentum that carries over during the season, during the games.”
