For those wishing the Cardinals would have traded for Devers

[opti mist]

Here is what Grok says about his defensive liabilities.

Rafael Devers has long been recognized as a strong offensive player, but his defensive performance at third base has consistently been a weak point in his game. Here’s an assessment of his fielding based on available data and analysis:

Career Fielding Statistics: Through the end of the 2024 MLB season, Devers led all active third basemen with a minimum of 500 games in career errors, totaling 141, with a fielding percentage of .944, the lowest among his peers in that group. This indicates a significant struggle in maintaining consistent defensive reliability at third base.

Historical Context: Devers has led the American League (AL) in errors among third basemen for multiple seasons. For example:
In 2017, his debut season, he had a .906 fielding percentage with 14 errors in 56 games at third base.

In 2018, he led the majors with 24 errors and a .926 fielding percentage.

In 2020, he again led all major league players with 14 errors and had a .891 fielding percentage, the lowest among third basemen.

In 2021, he led AL third basemen with 22 errors.

These numbers highlight a recurring issue with fielding consistency.

Advanced Metrics: Defensive metrics like Outs Above Average (OAA) and Fielding Run Value (FRV) further illustrate his struggles:
In 2023, Devers was in the 4th percentile for OAA and 13th percentile for FRV, indicating below-average defensive performance.

However, in 2024, there was some improvement, with OAA in the 51st percentile and FRV in the 53rd percentile, suggesting he made strides but still remained around league-average at best.

Despite this improvement, posts on X and other sources continue to describe him as one of the worst defensive third basemen, with comments emphasizing a lack of athleticism and drive to improve defensively.

Positional Shift: In 2025, after the Boston Red Sox signed Alex Bregman, a 2024 AL Gold Glove winner at third base, Devers was moved to the designated hitter (DH) role, partly due to his defensive limitations. His reluctance to shift positions (e.g., refusing to play first base after Triston Casas’ injury) and the team’s decision to prioritize Bregman at third base further underscore the perception of his defensive shortcomings.

Positive Notes: Despite his error-prone tendencies, Devers has shown flashes of defensive capability, such as initiating a triple play in 2017 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Additionally, his defensive performance in the minors was stronger, as he led High-A Salem third basemen in fielding percentage (.960) in one season, suggesting he has the raw ability but has struggled to translate it consistently to the majors.

Public Perception: Sentiment on X reflects a critical view of Devers’ fielding, with users describing him as “the worst fielding player in baseball” and noting a lack of effort or energy defensively. Some have speculated that his defensive struggles could impact his long-term value, especially as he ages.

Opti

[Rosie's Rule]

So where does Devers play in SF? DH? Bl

[opti mist]

Probably 3rd base until Chapman returns from the IL, then assume DH.

Opti

[Clark Kimble]

During the ESPN game of the Week, Dodgers-Giants, the announcers are comparing this to story to "Jesus Returns"; "Cure For Cancer Found"; "12.0 Quake Hits, CA Falls Into Sea", and "Martians Really Did Eat Her Baby".

[butsir01]

Welp, it’s good to know they’re not overdoing it.

[Melville]

Why would any Cardinal fan wish for them to add yet another LH bat of which they have too many already???

[TraveledLessRoad]

Why would any Cardinal fan wish for them to add yet another LH bat of which they have too many already???

In fairness, this one can actually hit

[Futuregm2]

Why would any Cardinal fan wish for them to add yet another LH bat of which they have too many already???

True why would you want to add a 28 year old who has averaged .279 avg .873 OPS 32 HR 96 RBI over the last 4 years and is hitting .271 with an .894 OPS and 14 HR/57 RBI in 72 games this year? And how many of those LH batters are hitting in the middle of the order right now? The only one that is (Burleson) came into today with a .764 OPS 9 doubles, 5 HRs, and 21 RBI in 208 PAs, so really he shouldn’t be hitting in the middle of the order.

[Whatashame]

Why would any Cardinal fan wish for them to add yet another LH bat of which they have too many already???

The Cardinals might be LH bat heavy but not one of those bats is close to Devers. Seriously, you don’t think Devers fits here because we have Nootbaar, Gorman, Scott, and Burleson? Devers would fit here just fine.

[desertrat23]

Was anyone expecting they would?

I’d settle for even the slightest amount of aggressiveness.

[Melville]

Why would any Cardinal fan wish for them to add yet another LH bat of which they have too many already???

In fairness, this one can actually hit

So can Donovan.
And Burleson.
And Gorman.
And their #1 prospect.
Point is, why would anyone complain about STL not adding yet another LH bat (and one without a position) when they have a desperate need for a quality RH bat in the outfield???
Of course Devers can hit (at 30M a year) - but he is not what the team needs.

[Whatashame]

So where does Devers play in SF? DH? Bl

Devers will play 1B or DH. His defensive metrics may not make him a GG candidate but the bat plays, especially a bat like Devers. He is a difference maker and will lengthen a Giants batting order.

[Cusecards]

I’d be on the fence about acquiring Devers.
Big bat.
But:
Questions in the field
Attitude issues?
Big contract
Guess it depends on the cost paid to acquire him??

[JuanAgosto]

Any Cardinals fan wishing for Devers either didn't know about his big contract or don't understand that BDW is not adding that $ to payroll.