Posey Era Begins: Giants Flex Their Financial Muscle with Rafael Devers Blockbuster
San Francisco, June 16, 2025 – In one of the most seismic moves in recent franchise history, Giants’ president of baseball operations Buster Posey shattered the team’s days of “break‑even ball” by orchestrating the blockbuster acquisition of star third baseman/designated hitter Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox .
Why It Matters
Breaking the mold: Under Posey’s leadership, the Giants are shedding their conservative financial posture. The team is now taking on more than $250 million in Devers’s remaining salary, making him the highest‑paid player in franchise history—far surpassing even their December signing of Willy Adames by roughly $70 million .
Posey’s influence: Pete echoed his transition from a “somewhat break-even” franchise strategy to outright contender spending, pointing directly at Posey’s newfound authority in the organization .
What the Giants Gave Up
San Francisco sent an impressive package to Boston:
Right‑hander Jordan Hicks
Left‑hander Kyle Harrison
Outfielder James Tibbs III
Minor‑league pitcher José Bello
Devers’s Fit in San Francisco
Bat-first power: A three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger, Devers comes with 214 career home runs and an .279 batting average as of June 15 .
Placement flexibility: With Matt Chapman sidelined by injury, Devers could begin at third base or slot in as a DH. His lefty power is tailored perfectly for Oracle Park’s dimensions .
Clubhouse boost: Lofty expectations greet him — shortstop Willy Adames remarked, *“Everybody’s so excited … Obviously, he’s one of the best hitters in the game.”*
⚾ Backdrop of the Deal
Boston friction: Devers clashed with Boston management after being moved from third base to DH late and resisting further position shifts. Previously, they’d even requested he cover first base—despite holding no desire to do so .
Timing: The trade was finalized mere HOURS before the Giants’ Sunday game against the Dodgers. Harrison was pulling on warm‑ups before being yanked in favor of rookie Sean Hjelle .
What It Means for the Future
Title contentions reignited: This move signals San Francisco’s belief that they can compete for the postseason—and beyond. Posey has already shown ambition through offseason additions like Justin Verlander and Adames .
Building a core: With Devers joining Adames, Chapman, Jung Hoo Lee, and Heliot Ramos, the Giants now possess a powerful, homegrown identity—anchored by an impact slugger.
Finances unlocked: Devers’s colossal contract marks a turning point in Giants payroll philosophy. As columnist Dave Tobener declared, “Long live the Posey Era”—prosperity may follow.
Buster Posey’s move to acquire Rafael Devers in a salary-heavy, headline-grabbing trade marks the definitive end of San Francisco’s frugal era. The Giants not only land a bona fide MVP-caliber bat but also broadcast their readiness to compete, invest, and shift into contention mode. As Devers mans third or takes over DH duties, the swings he takes could echo through the NL West for years to come.