With clouds and light rain overhead, Rafael Devers emerged from the visitors' dugout at Fenway Park Friday for the first time since his blockbuster trade 14 months ago. After signing autographs for fans in both Giants and Red Sox jerseys, Devers declined to revisit his up-and-down tenure in Boston. "I don't want to think about the past... you have to understand that this is the business of baseball," he said through an interpreter.

His relationship with the Red Sox soured in February 2025 when the team signed Alex Bregman and asked Devers to move to DH. After Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury, Devers refused to return to the field, telling the front office to "do their jobs." The Red Sox traded the three-time All-Star to the Giants less than two years after signing him to a 10-year, $313.5 million contract, receiving Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison, James Tibbs III and Jose Bello in return. President Sam Kennedy said they "couldn't find alignment."

A year later, Boston has surged with a 15-game winning streak and MLB-best 22-11 mark since the All-Star break under new management after Alex Cora's firing. San Francisco struggles at 52-75, though Devers leads the team with 25 home runs and 31 RBIs despite 141 strikeouts. He's found comfort with the Giants, saying, "They have supported me, they have trusted." Devers expressed no regrets: "I think I have matured there in a year... move forward and learn from that."