Rival teams are circling San Francisco Giants’ first baseman Rafael Devers, offering a surprise opportunity to unload long-term debt.
The San Francisco Giants are expected to become sellers before the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline, with players such as Luis Arraez and Robbie Ray available.
Several other notable names could also generate interest as the organization evaluates its long-term direction. Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, Matt Chapman, and others could emerge as potential trade candidates over the coming days. Heliot Ramos' trade interest is also on the rise.
A new report, however, suggests that the Giants may have unexpectedly found a market for one of their most difficult contracts.
According to Jon Heyman from the New York Post and MLB Network, at least one rival team has contacted San Francisco with interest in acquiring Devers.
The report also noted that any potential trade would almost certainly require the Giants to absorb a significant portion of Devers’ remaining contract.
Even so, the fact that another organization has initiated discussions represents an encouraging development for San Francisco.
Trading Devers is complicated
Devers, 29, arrived in the Bay Area a little more than a year ago after being acquired from the Boston Red Sox.
His tenure with the Giants has not unfolded as the organization envisioned.
He’s hit just .243 with 42 home runs, 112 RBIs and a .332 OBP in 199 games over his two partial seasons with the Giants.
Despite those numbers, the Giants are reportedly exploring the possibility of moving him before the Aug. 3 deadline.
The greatest obstacle remains financial.
Devers is still owed $28.5 million annually through the 2033 season, which runs through his age-36 campaign. That long-term commitment significantly reduces the number of teams capable of completing such a deal without financial assistance from San Francisco.
Because of that reality, the Giants would likely need to pay a meaningful portion of the contract to facilitate any agreement.
Even with that financial commitment, moving Devers could provide important long-term flexibility if the organization believes reallocating future payroll better aligns with its competitive timeline.
The Giants are hoping another team values Devers highly enough to assume a substantial share of the remaining contract. It would give San Francisco an opportunity to reshape its roster moving forward.
Why Devers can help contenders
Devers remains one of MLB’s most accomplished offensive players, and his track record continues to carry considerable value.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure while consistently serving as the centerpiece of an offense.
His combination of power, patience, and run-producing ability has made him one of the most respected hitters of his generation.
Beyond his production, Devers has accumulated extensive postseason experience and has repeatedly competed on MLB’s biggest stage. Players with that background often remain attractive to contenders, even when contracts become significant considerations.
He also possesses the confidence and durability expected from a franchise-caliber player. Teams understand that proven hitters sometimes benefit from a change of environment.
Devers’ talent may ultimately outweigh the financial commitment required to complete a trade.
